Antique French 18th Century Silk Embroidery Painting, RARE

Description: I bought this from a reputable dealer in England who specializes in Georgian pieces. She dated this piece to 1760-90. Her description is perfect, so I'm using much of it below. This is an exceptionally rare find in this small dimension. We can find NO similar scale example. Probably made as a portable devotional piece by nuns. Purchased in Paris, the 6.5" by 4.5" embroidery is divine in more than one way. The scene of the Agony of Christ at the Mt. of Olives is rare to find as an embroidery. Similar depictions can be seen by Albrecht Durer and Sebastiano. The three little putti are all carrying symbols of the crucifixion, hammer, nails, crown of thorns, and one rests on a pillar. The level of needlework is stunning. All faces, bodies and arms are, we think, exposed areas of the woven silk on linen ground (although we cannot guarantee that they are not stitched too) with their edges hand stitched in pink silk to give depth and contrast. There is some watercolor detailing on the faces, but very minimal. Most eyes, noses, lips, and hair are all stitched in silk. The colors are still vibrant; although they were probably VERY bright when first created. The 8.5" by 6 and 6/8" frame is believed to be original. It is ancient with its gilding over a fine layer of Gesso over terracotta color primer. Pretty Gesso beading decoration to the inner section, with a couple areas of loss. It is a primitive frame with no fancy construction; old nails hold the corners together. There is a bit of warp to the frame, which could be natural or it may have been displayed near the heat of an open fire. The original glass is equally as ancient, with a few bubbles and a pitting to its under surface (almost like sugar glass). The back of the frame has very old blue backing paper, old nails, and no signs of removal. It has no suspension hooks. The gilding has all but disappeared from the sides. I have lovingly hung this in my smoke-free home away from direct sunlight. Thanks for looking!

Price: 499 USD

Location: Owings Mills, Maryland

End Time: 2024-12-09T17:58:17.000Z

Shipping Cost: 8 USD