Working through to visit all of the fabulous antique needlework and tapestry panels I've collected over many decades' buying trips to France, this is a unique and pristine set of the 2 pieces of upholstery tapestry, entirely worked in silk yarns on a prior-stained linen canvas (there are no corresponding discolorations on the silk needlepoint embroidery), the pieces made to upholster an antique prayer chair known as a prie dieus. Low, typically knelt upon with arms folded across the top of the 'back', you can see the type of chair illustrated on one of our photos of the pair of elegantly worked panels. Those prayer chairs date 1700s to mid-1800s and as such if one finds one, it would most likely need upholstery. All the more wonderful to find this set of embroidery panels so perfectly preserved. Alternatively, one can certainly make up opulent throw or decorator pillows from these 2 panels. Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. As noted, while you can see staining on the old linen canvases, the silk needlepoint stitching has been done after such staining and is fresh and undamaged. The silk yarn is perfectly preserved and perfectly worked. You see the monogram of Marie-Antoinette centering the large panel, and a radiant cross on the arm-rest or back panel. No staining at all to those yarns. Ready to use on your prayer chair or as a pillow top. Yes, found in France ages ago, and from my decades' long collection of finest tapestry while on buying trips.
