This is a pair of panels from my private stash. I'm disbursing panels I just am never going to get to make up in to those lush opulent down-filled throw pillows I love. YOU get to do it, instead. This pair of late 1700s to early 1800s panels would have been chair back upholstery pieces, and have suffered very little wear as such (seats usually get quite tattered, but back, not much). They are loomed panels, most likely Aubusson, and the subject of 2 children at play is very charming and appealing for pillows. You are buying the pair of slightly odd-shaped panels, as shown, in very good condition. Each panel is large at 18" tall and 15" wide (workable with additional distance beyond the folds you can see in the photos - that represents where the outer perimeter was folded back and then tacked to the wooden chair back)Linen warp with wool and perhaps some silk yarns used. You can either fold back and mount to a velvet back larger, or cut the panel as you'd like, and then work up as front to a lavishly fringed pillow pair. I have made up many from this era, quite similar to this one and have sold many over the years. I've loved them for decades. Meant to add this one to the group but here it remains for you to do it or have it done. I've placed a ruler that registers both inches and millimeters so you can see how incredibly tiny these stitches are. Finer than petit-point. And I've only used needlepoint in title because it is basically that type of embroidery stitch, needlework.
Very good to excellent for age and type. The linen canvas is strong. There are really very few flaws, quite remarkable considering the age. There is only the usual scent of woodwork with age, but no odor of mildew or anything similar. The figures are wonderful! The yarns used are all fine, hand dyed, palette range is fabulous and still vibrant. I have shown the backside so you can see the work, original unfaded colors, not so much different than the front side. If there are any fine splits in between woven yarns, I have been bedazzled enough not to notice. You please look closely at the photos just in case. They have no visible moth or insect damage or loss. Measurements also appear on the photos. Lies very flat, will be lightly rolled with archival tissue for shipment. Will be listing a large private collection (my own) of c.1600 = c.1850 tapestry panels. Be sure to mark our shop and come back!
