Lovely Floral transfers, wood Victorian era French face screens pair, c.1850 This is a stunning old matched pair of French face screens, each hand painted with great talent on fine old silk. These face screens were very popular in the Victorian era, particularly, where they must have been in every well-appointed home in numbers, pairs always, and were there to give to visitors to hold against the blushing heat of the fireplace as they sat and visited or listened to music or similar. Usually seated closer to the warmth, ladies had to protect their pale cheeks from the blush of a direct fireplace. We find them in all types of women's arts such as painted, needlepoint, embroidery and also production ones in materials such as papier mache or even, as in the case of this pair, hand painted wood. I'm particularly drawn to the charm of their history, and I try to buy the finest ones we see. Right now we have a nice selection.
Very good condition, surface slightly dimmed by time, but are still lovely. These are transfers rather than hand painted, a fairly humble pair of screens - perfect for a Country French home decor whether you hang them on the wall, or rest them on a tabletop near your own fireplace. Lovely old turned wood handles and the old original hardware all complete and unbroken. No chips to the thin wood upon which the florals are displayed. Warm patina to the handles. Measurements noted on the photos.
