America
A fine and rare Brussels tapestry from the series of The Continents, mid-18thcentury, from the workshop of Jan Frans van der Borght, signed: BB (Brussels Brabant) P.V.D., and D.H., (for De Hasse).
Made of wool and silk threads.
Height: 9ft 6in (290cm) Width: 8ft (245cm)
A central European figure flanked by an Indian wearing a feathered head gear, behind them with a further two figures and to the left in front of them with a man carrying a basket, to the left foreground with a man holding a large cloth and tortoises before him in the medium background with further figures gathering food and the background with men loading ships and sail boats. A wrapped parcel to the foreground with initials: DH. (De Hasse, the designer).
This tapestry series consisted of five panels, including Europe, Africa, Asia, America and a panel illustrating the four Continents together (Australia had, although the Dutch landed in 1616 and the British in 1688, not really been explored until after James Cook's voyage in 1770). This version of the subject seems to have solely been woven by the van der Borght family. It is believed that there were nine sets made, but the only one to survive complete is in the Austrian State Collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Other panels are at Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, The Royal Collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and at Nostrell Priory, West Yorkshire, which was decorated by Robert Adam. The present tapestry is rare as it is the only small version we have encountered and unlike the other example, is fully signed. Also in our collection is a larger version which once belonged to Henri de Rothschild, Chateau de la Muette in Paris.
Jan Frans van der Borght (d. 1774) belonged to a large and famous dynasty of weavers and received his privileges in 1726. He initially worked with his father Jasper (d. 1742) and later with his younger brother Pieter (d. 1763). The presence of the weaver's signature of Jasper, indicates that it was for certain designed before 1742 (D. Heinz).
Literature:
J. Boccara, Ames de Laine et de Soie, Saint-Juste-en-Chausse, 1988, p.205.
D.Heinz, Europische Tapisseriekunst des17.und 1.8 Jahrhunderts, Vienna, 1995, p.209
Arthur Floss, Country House Treasures, London, 1980, p.248.
