Tapestry panel - Lot 147

Tapestry panel La Continence de Scipion (or La Clemence de Scipion) in wool and silk from the Manufacture de Felletin, Creuse region, near Aubusson. Late 17th century 205 x 274 cm (Restorations, reweaving in the 19th century) Taken from the story of Scipio the African (by Plybius, historian of the 1st century BC). The male figure on the left is Scipio the African, accompanied by a young woman (his enemy's fiancée) destined to become his captive (episode from Scipio's story and scene from Scipio's Continence). After the capture of Quart Hadasht (Carthage, today's Carthagena in Spain), under the command of Scipio the African, some Roman soldiers present their general with a young princess of exceptional beauty whom they have just captured. The young girl was destined to become Scipio's captive. But she was promised to Allutius (or Allucius), a Celtiberian prince and one of the city's notables. The princess's father presented himself to Scipio, offering a ransom for his daughter's freedom. Scipio gives orders to return her to her father and to consign the ransom as a dowry for the wedding. The musicians and servants on the right suggest a scene of reception and celebration. Source: Painting by Sébastien Bourdon (circa 1644/1647), Musée de Grenoble