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Tapestry: The Fish Market (fragmentary tapestry from a series of rustic genre scenes)
Based on: David Teniers the Younger (Flemish, 1610–1690)
Flemish
First half of the 18th century
Object Place: probably Brussels, Flanders
Medium/Technique
Tapestry weave (wool warp; wool and silk wefts)
Dimensions
316 x 257 cm (124 7/16 x 101 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William de Krafft
Accession Number40.238
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionThe action takes place on a quay where a fish market is in progress. The extreme foreground, showing earth, rocks, plants, rodents, and rabbits, is not part of the original composition. Beyond and above this, in what was originally the foreground of the scene, two women with market baskets are selecting fish from three fishermen who kneel by their baskets and tubs. A boy learning on a staff watches from the left, while a man smoking a pipe stands at the right edge of the group. To the right of this figure, and behind him, is a man leading a donkey. Farther to the right a man leans over a basket of fish and grasps its handles while another man stands over him and appears to direct his work.
Behind the figures the quay extends into the distance diagonally from left to right. There are a number of tall buildings (some with elaborate masonry features) and figures on the quay at the left. Opposite this, at the right edge of the tapestry, is the prow of a sailing vessel. Three smaller boats appear in the water in the middle and far distance. The original borders and guards did not survive. A gray and beige guard has been sewn on.
Behind the figures the quay extends into the distance diagonally from left to right. There are a number of tall buildings (some with elaborate masonry features) and figures on the quay at the left. Opposite this, at the right edge of the tapestry, is the prow of a sailing vessel. Three smaller boats appear in the water in the middle and far distance. The original borders and guards did not survive. A gray and beige guard has been sewn on.
ProvenanceDecember 3-8, 1928, anonymous sale, American Art Association, New York, lot 1444. 1940, William de Krafft (b. 1878 - d. 1963), New York; gift of William de Krafft to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 9, 1940)