Early to mid-Victorian era wool needlepoint (larger stitches) wall hanging or possibly a rug, this Victorian era panel is 5.5 feet long and 4.5 feet tall. Remarkably fine condition for very advanced age of around 160 years. And the colors and theme are all just splendid. A Victorian lady riding side saddle (her face is petitpoint and the balance of that portion is regular needlepoint, the balance of the piece is larger needlepoint-like stitch. I've clicked an image with a tape measure so you can see the stitches per inch or cm. There is no hanging apparatus, or hooks across the top, so I'm unsure if it's been a wall hanging or perhaps a blanket or a rug. No damage to speak of so perhaps a carriage lap blanket? Seems most likely. c. 1840-60.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. I find no holes, no tears, and the warp/canvas upon which this huge tapestry is worked is supple and strong. The panel has the original backing, linen and with a linen border edging, all of which is hand-sewn, as you can see. Two corners need a little hand stitching to re-close the lining to the backing (see images) and one has likely been undone to view the stitches from backside, and I've shown you a photo of those. The yarn is heavy and thick and so nicely done. Colors remain vibrant, rich. No mustiness, slight scent of wool, of course. And the panel is very large at 65" wide and 56" tall. The needlepoint would be very close to that, and that border is slightly over an inch in width, covers a bit of the canvas. I've never seen a huge panel like it. Fabulous for a Victorian home's wall, and I've also seen smaller old needlepoints worked with braided rag rug around them to expand into larger area rugs that are to die for. An amazing piece!
