Flemish Tapestry : Aminta And Silvia. Brussels, First Semester 1600

Rare 17th century tapestry representing an episode from the pastoral history of "Aminta and Silvia", taken from "Aminta" by Torquato Tasso (written for Leonora d'Este in 1573). Large "Trompe L'Oeil" border with cascades of fruit alternating with volutes and cherubs. Manufacture of Brussels. On the edge of Marca dell'Arazziere (Gilam Van Uvuer) and the city of Brussels (BB). The first performance of Aminta took place with good probability on July 31, 1573 at the Belvedere in Ferrara. The shepherd Aminta loves the nymph Silvia, but she is reluctant towards him and devotes herself only to hunting. Silvia's friend, Daphne, an expert in amorous passion, tries to persuade Silvia to accept Aminta's love, while Tirsi advises the shepherd to go to the source where Silvia is bathing and declares the seriousness of her feelings. While Silvia is at the source, a satyr who wants to rape her kidnaps her, and Aminta, finding a veil stained with blood, believes that Silvia has been torn by a wolf, so in desperation she throws herself off a cliff, but is saved by a bush. Then Silvia, truly unharmed, becomes aware of the pastor's gesture and, feeling remorse, ends up giving in to love, .... and thus they have lived happily ever after. Complete tapestry with its original border and with an elegant finish that makes it particularly rare, valuable and collectable. The composition is pleasant and elegant thanks to the use of light colors and a blue which makes the design very bright. The garlands and the little angels that frame the scene are also very beautiful.