11th Feb, 2025 10:00
Holkham | The Attic Sale
213
A Louis XV Gobelins mythological tapestry depicting Juno and Aeolus
early 18th century, French, woven with a landscape centred with a cloud supporting the figure of Juno and her attribute of a peacock, looking down on Aeolus controlling the winds, surrounded by winged figures and attendants,
304 x 548cm
The first mention of this tapestry in Holkham's archives is apparently in 1897, where it is described as 'a large panel measuring [...] in a frame representing Proserphone [sic. Persephone?] entering the lower world with Pluto', in the North State Sitting Room. Another mention appears in a 1909 inventory, where there is an entry for 'oblong rectangular panel of Brussels tapestry depicting a ‘visit of Juno to Pluto'.
If this is the same piece, and it seems likely, this room was completely refurbished in 1910-12 which could explain why it has never been on formal display. From 1913, it is noted as being in the Chapel Wing corridor, but hidden behind another tapestry, where it was found in 2017 and subsequently sent to De Witt in Belgium for cleaning.
£8,000 - £12,000
Buyer's premium: 30.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
Overall the tapestry is in excellent condition having been hung behind another tapestry for many years. Lacking border. There are some small splits and separation to the weave - see additional images. Fading to some colours as to be expected. It has been recently cleaned by De Witt and rolled and stored in a crate since.
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Auction: Holkham | The Attic Sale, 11th Feb, 2025
Sworders are honoured to present Holkham | The Attic Sale. Under the instruction of Thomas Edward Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester, this once-in-a-lifetime auction marks a historic first for the Norfolk estate and will showcase over 400 treasures from the storerooms, attics, and cellars of the great Palladian house.
The sale is led by a group of Roman marble fragments collected by the 1st Earl on his grand tour, as well as several 18th- and 19th-century plaster busts. Other highlights include a Louis XV Gobelins mythological tapestry and a Republican Sèvres porcelain 'beau bleu' dessert service, which sit beside an array of Victorian china, clocks, and plenty of furniture, blending high-value pieces with more accessible items to capture the spirit of the classic ‘attic sale.’
Printed catalogues are available to pre-order here.
Condition Report Requests: Please note that due to restricted access to the sale lots, any enquiries will not be dealt with until week commencing Monday 3 February 2025. Your patience is appreciated.
Viewing
Sale Location
The auction will take place at Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB.
Viewing
Viewing will be held at Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the Sea, Norfolk. Use the postcode NR23 1RH to enter Holkham via the north gates.
Entrance by catalogue only, admits two, includes parking.
Friday 7 February, 11am - 3pm
Saturday 8 February, 11am - 3pm
Sunday 9 February, 11am - 3pm
Monday 10 February, 11am - 3pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
Condition Report Requests: Please note that due to restricted access to the sale lots, any enquiries will not be dealt with until week commencing Monday 3 February 2025. Your patience is appreciated.
Accessibility
Holkham Hall aims to accommodate all accessibility needs where possible. Full details about access are available here
Refreshments
Available from the Courtyard Cafe
Friday 7 - Monday 10 February, 10.30am - 3pm
Tuesday 11 February, 9.30am - 5pm
Full Terms & Conditions relating to our auctions can be found here
Sorry, we cannot calculate a pre-sale automated shipping cost due to the items weight/size.
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If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!
Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here
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