Panel of fine AUDENARDE tapestry, Flanders "La noce de Gombault et Macée" from the tapestry Les Amours de Gombault et Macée, based on the poem by Henri Baude (1415-1490), probably based on cartoons by Laurent Guyot (1574-1644). Wool and silk. Late 16th - early 17th century. H: 235 - W 420 cm Tapestry with braids. Some wear to the braids. Missing borders. Unlined tapestry Provenance: A. Griffon, acquired on 23 March 1904 for the sum of 2000 francs Legend has it that the Tenture des Amours de Gombault et Macée and in particular our tapestry of the Wedding symbolised the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany (1491). Its author is thought to be Henri Baude, a 15th century poet, contemporary of François Villon and companion of Charles VIII like Philippe du Moulin, who left a collection of poems entitled "Dicts moraux pour mettre en tapisserie". There is every reason to believe that this is indeed the famous wedding. Macée wears a crown and the costumes worn by the bride and groom are more refined and elegant than those worn by the Berbers and shepherds of the time. Gombault is richly dressed in a chamarre embroidered with flowers on his hat. Poulaines, shoes from the Middle Ages, were worn until the end of the 15th century. The length and curvature of the shoes also attest to the nobility of the figures. Finally, we note the presence in the background, in perspective, of finely drawn houses and mountains of the Ardennes. This rare tapestry panel was the basis for many tapestries that were subsequently woven. A similar tapestry is in the Gruuthuse Museum in Bruges. Expert : Frank Kassapian