Brussels End Of XVIth Century, Battle Of Zama, Scipio, Bb For Brussels Brabant And Mr For Marten Ii

Very fine tapestry depicting a battle, probably an episode from the Battle of Zama in the History of Scipio, with a border of sea horses and birds, and the four Elements in the corners. This tapestry bears the mark BB for Brussels Brabant in the upper left folded corner and the workshop mark MR for Marten II Reymbouts, (1557-1618), Brussels, late 16th, early 17th century. This type of border, typical of Marten II Reymbouts, is found notably on allegorical tapestries from the 16th century (private collection) and tapestries from the Brooklyn Museum recently sold at auction. They feature various birds and Jupiter riding on the back of an eagle in a central cartouche of clouds, on the sides wooded landscapes with lions, deer, and allegorical female figures in the corners.