AUDENARDE, Flanders, circa 1580. Fêtes et scènes de chasse d'Henri IV et Marguerite de Valois au château de Nérac. Important and rare panel of very fine tapestry in silk, wool and silvered metal threads (oxidations, natural wear, probably tapestry for woodwork). Height : 249 cm. 249 cm - Width : 350 cm In the centre of the panel, Henri IV and Queen Margot are represented in front of the perspective of the French gardens of the castle of Nérac. A rich vegetation and gardens with pergolas frame the scene. In the surrounding area, hunting scenes enliven the panel. In the foreground, on the left, are wild turkeys and probably a dodo, and two elephant birds (aepyornis) on the right. These giant birds, similar to the ostrich, lived on the island of Madagascar in the 16th century before disappearing a century later due to hunting. Note the coconut trees in perspective on the right, referring to these exotic birds. Marguerite de Valois (1553-1615), known as Queen Margot, was the daughter of King Henri II and Catherine de Medici (whose coat of arms can be seen in the foreground). Henri de Navarre married her in 1572 a few days before the Saint Barthelemy. She remained at court after her husband's flight and joined him in Nérac in 1579. The town of Nérac, capital of Albret, is one of the most beautiful river ports in France. It has an exceptional heritage with its castle that belonged to Henri IV. Textiles and especially tapestries are part of the wealth of this region (Nérac and Pau). Expert : Mr Frank KASSAPIAN - frank.kassapian@yahoo.fr - 06 58 68 52 26