Early! Stunning! This is a very early 18th century needlepoint and petit point tapestry in the manner of the Louis XIV ones from the Ecole du St-Cyr, and remains in its original hand carved walnut frame, formerly a large fire screen with the legs removed so it is now wall art. I first found this many years ago on the final day of a buying trip, at the Paris flea Market, and had to pass it by only owing to time. I did click a photo of it, however, because I was in love with it. Years later, I found the same piece being sold by another dealer, out of a magnificent estate - the owner who'd found it and bought it after I passed on it those many years before. I still remembered and recognized it, and of course did not pass it by a 2nd time. It's possible it is late 1600s, but not later than early 1700s work, tiniest of stitches, and most delicately worked fine quality, it is a tapestry for a museum collection. Rare also for these to remain in their original carved frame, it begs to be hung as art. Lots of photos to show it off.
A magnificent c.1730-50s French point de Saint Cyr tapestry - with a super-rare history: This super-fine petit point (even micro-point) embroidery on painted canvas is linked to Madam de Maintenon, later Marchioness of Maintenon, who asked (her secret husband) Louis XIV to put up money for a school to teach the 'noble' girls. The school was in Saint Cyr. This embroidery is from the Marchioness or her students. Incredible history and importance. So charming!
I should give you one more tidbit of the story: "Following the disgrace of the Marquise deMontespan in a poisoning scandal and the death of Queen Maria Theresa of Austria, she married the king in secret in 1683. Madame de Maintenon held a great influence over Louis XIV, who visited her every day in her apartments overlooking the palace's royal courtyard."
Very good to excellent. A museum piece, dating possibly from Louis XIV - last half of c.1600s - perhaps a bit later into the early 1700s, an incredible find in this large size and fine condition.A museum piece! Lots of photos. There are no holes. No tears. The canvas is not brittle, but is supple. The former backing was removed. The frame is gorgeous, entirely hand carved. No odor, no dinginess. Remarkably fine - this!
