Found in France, the old original c.1780-1810 French Empire Frame and laid glass remain with the late 18th century to early 1800s silk chenille embroidered still life on moire silk. Large at 23 1/4" x 20" and 1 1/4" depth to the frame, it remains an opulent and elegant testament to women's arts of the era. Likely drawn by the girl or woman, then worked in lush stitching, a single stitch at a time. You see it is not shredded as so many 200 year old embroideries are. And quite remarkable to see the elongated bubble imperfections in the old glass which assure it is original. I can tell you this shows much more beautifully in person. Hard one to capture well in photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. There is depth to the needlework. There ia a backing added long after, likely when the interior glass has been cleaned, and a paper seal which has kept dust and bugs out and helped to preserve it. A gentle natural palette. I can't open it to check to see how much fading to the yarns, but it seems not likely. Fading from sun would also have deteriorated the old silk and I see none of that. Very slight darkening to the cream moire silk which would indicate positioning of the old stretcher frame. Beautiful and large, impressive.
