Fine tapestry panel from Brussels, Flanders - Lot 6

Fine tapestry panel from Brussels, Flanders Late 16th-early 17th century Title : The lions of the Atlas de Barbarie (in present-day Tunisia) Inspired by Rembrandt's painting ( the lion ) (1606-1669). Fragment of tapestry framed by a fine old gold border decorated with rows of stylized ruby buttons. Wool and silk H_108 cm L_162 cm Natural wear and oxidation Restorations Shrinkage The Barbary Lions (or Barbary Coast, part of the Maghreb coastline stretching from Morocco to Libya via Algeria and Tunisia). Barbary Lions were captured by the Romans in ancient times to fight gladiators in amphitheaters. The territories occupied by the Barbarians were called : Barbaria (lands outside the Roman Empire). Expert: Frank Kassapian