PHILIPPE MAECHT et UN ASSOCIÉ Lot n° 5

RARE TAPESTRIES - DIANE ENTRE LES GÉANTS (part of the hanging from the story of Diana) Paris, Manufacture du Faubourg Saint-Marcel, early 17th century Based on designs by Toussaint Dubreuil (circa 1558-1602) Wool and silk. Monogrammed H. 339 cm, W. 413 cm. Missing the upper border. Wear and tear Certificate of Monsieur Dominique Chevalier The theme of this wool and silk tapestry is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses and is part of the hanging of the Story of Diana. It retraces the episode in which the Giants, Othos and Ephiates, twin sons of Poseidon, attempt to capture Diana and Hera. The right vertical border bears the monogram of Philippe Maëcht and that of another upholsterer from the Faubourg Saint-Marcel, as yet unidentified (but which does not correspond to that of Jean Taye, an upholsterer frequently associated with Maëcht). The original cartoons of this hanging, comprising eight elements, were probably commissioned by Henry II for Diane de Poitiers to Anet in 1550 from artists of the Fontainebleau School, notably Jean Cousin le Vieux (1490/1560). The Mobilier National preserves a complete suite made in the workshops of the faubourg Saint-Marcel de Maëcht et Taye, at the beginning of the 17th century, based on drawings by Toussaint Dubreuil. The tapestry depicting Diana and the Giants was mentioned in the apartment of the Duke of Orleans in Fontainebleau (fig. 1). The Mobilier de la Couronne owned five Drapes of Diana, three of which had gold (only one survives to this day). Two other Draperies are mentioned in the Spanish and Austrian collections. Each of these drapes of Diana has a piece representing Diana between the Giants.