A beautiful panel of 19th century embroidery, needlepoint and other stitches in silk and wool yarns, it was likely taken from a frame, and is likely the work of a young girl learning her needlework. It's another fine needlework panel I've collected as I was out buying antiques in France, and it measures 20" x 16". The sewing arches at the top, and I have some idea it was in a shaped frame, perhaps under glass. Only slight fading of the yarns, though, might indicate it was never made up but just kept. Deserves to be stretched and framed as the beautiful devotional it truly is. Birda and florals in that arched wreath border are beautifully done. The Madonna and Christ child are also elegantly worked on a linen fabric rather than a broader weave needlework canvas. Stitches are tine and yarns are undamaged.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. It is well over 140 years of age, and there is very slight darkening of the cloth upon which the embroidery has been done. It seems strong enough to me to be worked as a pillow top, more for display than for lots of wear, though. I think best use would be to have it framed (again), it's so lovely. No troublesome holes or tears but one very small below and right of the figural group - seems like a woodworm hole so might have been mounted on a wooden plaque. One might be able to surface clean a little. I have not tried at all.
