PÂRIS ET PHILOCTÈTE Bruxelles, vers 1580-1600 Wool... Lot 47

PÂRIS ET PHILOCTÈTE Bruxelles, vers 1580-1600 Wool and silk Good condition; minor restorations H. 370 x W. 270 cm City mark in the lower right corner of the border: a shield gules between two Bs Inscriptions in the upper cartouche: Bis Novu Numeras annum / sectatur avaro MR[...] Feras / Acres Montivagasque Paris; and on the tunic: Paris Alexand[re] This mythological tapestry featuring Pâris breaks with the tradition of the Trojan War hangings, which focus on the episode of the Judgement on Mount Ida, or those of the History of Gaul with the foundation of Paris. At the centre of the composition, the Trojan prince is identified by his two first names - Paris and Alexander - embroidered in gold letters on the bottom of his blue tunic. He is running with a bow in his hand, pursued by a young man with a strong arrow, in whom Philoctetes can be recognized. The scene takes place in a green landscape populated by exotic animals, a pair of lions in the foreground and a dromedary in the background. The trees open onto a landscaped walkway where a figure is walking in the shade of a trellis. Behind him, high towers and antique-style architecture stand out. The typical Brussels frame consists of a wide compartmentalized border, decorated with garlands and bunches of flowers mixed with fruit and flanked by full-length female figures in architectural niches. At the top, the inscription in a cartouche with a rolled leather motif evokes the obstacles overcome by Paris, while at the bottom, presented in a medallion with his bow and arrow, Cupid symbolizes the love that struck our hero and his mortal enemy. Paris, son of King Priam, was sent on an embassy to Greece because they wanted to keep him away from the court and avoid the fall of Troy predicted by his sister Cassandra. But as soon as he arrived in Sparta, he fell in love with Queen Helena, who returned the favor. Thus began the Trojan War. Paris emerged victorious from the battle with Achilles. Achilles gave his poisoned arrows to Philoctetes so that he could put them to good use. This other lover of Helen killed two birds with one stone. By killing Paris with an arrow, Philoctetes avenged Achilles' death and destroyed his most dangerous rival.