Flemish tapestry, probably Brussels, early 17th century - Lot 137

Flemish tapestry, probably Brussels, early 17th century The Harvest, also known as Summer Woven in wool and silk Wear and old restorations H. 2.07 x W. 1.90 m This fragment, depicting a wheat harvest scene, could belong to a Months hanging. The naturalistic details in the foreground - turkeys, birds and vegetation dried out by the heat of the summer months - draw the eye to the figure at the center of the composition. He is shown in a dynamic, yet stable posture, collecting bundles of wheat assembled on a monumental cart. The figure in the upper right adopts a similar posture. The almost inert expression on the faces and the arching of the backs convey the difficult condition of these peasants. Their physical strength is emphasized by protruding muscles visible through light, patched clothing. The diagonal induced by the position of the cart gradually draws attention to the field in the background and the hamlet, giving the scene a bucolic character. Expert: Alexandre Chevalier contact@cabinet-alexandrechevalier.fr