A sale of English and European decorative arts at Sotheby's New York on October 10 will be led by a Belgian tapestry circa 1525 that carries an estimate of $35,000-45,000.
The tapestry features a scene from the biblical story of the chaste Susanna, which appears in the book of Daniel.
 The tapestry is being sold by the Philadelphia Museum of Art in order to raise funds |
It shows the aftermath of the trial, in which Susanna - accused of meeting a man in her garden - is exonerated and the elders, having been found to be lying, are taken outside to be stoned to death.
The tapestry measures 11ft by 13ft.
A fine 16th century renaissance table cabinet from Ausburg, South Germany is another notable lot. It would have been used as a writing desk and features elaborate marquetry on all sides. It carries an estimate of $25,000-30,000.
Ausburg was renowned for the skill of its furniture makers during this era and its popularity was due in large part to the intricate use of marquetry, which often depicted ruins.
Cabinets of this type are among the earliest examples of luxury furniture produced in significant quantities in Europe.
A set of four Italian Maiolica plates dating to 1740 and depicting continents will feature with an estimate of $25,000-35,000 while a pair of Louis XIV style ormolu mounted malachite and ebonized pedestals are valued at $20,000-30,000. They are likely of Russian origin.
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