Impressive Flemish pictorial tapestry 17th/18th century central figurative scene of two ornately dressed figures greeting each other, surrounded by an elaborate pomegranate, floral and foliate border. (Good condition) H11'11" W11'11" *Provenance: Acquired by Greenville Museum of Art from Samuel Neikrug of New York City in 1961 through Sigmond Rothchild Gallery; later traded to the Florence Museum of Art. *Note: Tapestry is a form of textile art accomplished by weaving wool, cotton, or silk threads by hand on a weaving-loom. The earliest known tapestries are from the 3rd-2nd century BCE. However, it was not until the 14th century that the art began to flourish in Europe, due in large part to the portable nature of this art. Tapestries are unique in comparison to paintings or sculpture, in that they can be rolled up and transported, as well as easily displayed on special occasions. Traditionally, the composition of a tapestry is first depicted by an artist who supplies a model or cartoon drawing to a weaving workshop. The actual weaving of the tapestry is then carried-out by the workshop as it is a labor-intensive craft. Tapestries are categorized according to their iconography as well as their borders. Their subject matter is often allegorical, biblical or historical and their borders are often telling as to when and where they were produced. By the 17th century, Flemish tapestries comprised the most important examples of this craft and they continue to be some of the most sought-after and luxurious specimens of this art form.