Silk tapestry "The Academy of Plato" Italy 17th-18th century

Small silk tapestry, with some applied inserts in painted canvas, corresponding to the faces and hands of the characters. The scene depicts Plato's Academy, with the philosopher sitting on the ground, his back against a tree, dressed in a robe and a draped cloak, his right hand holding a tablet or a scroll. He is engaged in giving a lesson in philosophy, surrounded by young students, particularly one with whom he is speaking. In the background, a rural landscape inhabited by men performing agricultural work: some are sowing, others are harvesting, and still others are chopping down a tree with an axe. In the distance, to the right of the main group, a turreted building can be seen, while to the left stands an ancient herm. Inserted in a period frame, moulded in several orders, with ebonised parts alternating with others veneered in tortoiseshell.