"Worked by Julia Mary Richards, a copy of a very old piece belonging to her Aunt, Mrs Johnson, wife of ______________ of Colebect _____", written on parchment and attached to the wooden stretcher backing of this thrilling silk embroidery. Along with it, probably in the girl's young cursive, a poem. I've had this good-sized panel, on stretcher like you see it, for decades. It's been a background for numerous group photos for Antiques & Uncommon Treasure, of sewing tools, Georgian mourning jewelry, etc., and I do love it. The presence of the young woman's spaniel being quite rare. Dated in the work, 1782, the panel was always intended to get a thick beveled mat and be put into a period frame. But it's time for someone else to decide which frame, and whether to do a more typical eglomise glass/mat. It is being offered just as you see it. No frame. The work on wooden plaque stretcher is 12.5" x 10.25" oval, worked area slightly smaller.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. No missing or deteriorated stitches, and it is a stunning accomplishment in silk, chenille threads, a painted face and hands being about the only surface not covered in those incredible stitches. The spaniel is particular fun, and those flowers lower left, delightful. All of the memorial and 'eternal' icons represented: Dying tree signifying end of life; new blossoms signifying the eternal nature of life springing anew; the tomb; Weeping willow or tree overhang signifying the weeping of the mourners. We don't know the age of Miss Julia Mary Richards when she did this work, but typically it would be a girl between 8-13. Imagine!
