ALLEGORICAL TAPERIE Brussels, 17th century. Signed... Lot 1025

ALLEGORICAL TAPERIE Brussels, 17th century. Signed François van den Hecke (active in Brussels ca. 1625-1675). Depicting a young man surrounded by Jupiter and Minerva (Wisdom), to the right a woman with bared breast (Luxuria) and a woman with bridle (Temperance). Framed by lateral columns and above garland of fruits and flowers with central landscape reserve. 337 × 347 cm. Various losses and tears, the margins partly frayed. Large restoration/addition at the lower left corner. The depiction is an allegory of human life, stating that man should follow reason and not vice. This tapestry is comparable to one kept in the Patrimonio Nacional Museum, Madrid, series 58/I and acquired by King Philippe IV in 1638, which has no signature but the upper bordure is inscribed 'O HOMO DIVINAE SEGUITOR, MODERAMINE DEXTRAE, QVAE DVCE NATVRA TE ET RATIONE REGIT'. The model of this series of seven pieces in the Madrid Museum can be attributed to the Belgian painter Antoine Sallaert (1594-1650), from whom many models for tapestries originate.