Fabulous Antique French Romantic era needlepoint 43" x 23" panel which was made for the upholstered backrest to a loveseat or settee! I'd date it c. 1850-1900 based on style of needlework and the pattern, which recalls the 1700s Romantic Era fashions and genre. Fine embroidery work in wool and silk, it is excellent and ready to live again as a lushly-fringed/trimmed out decorator throw pillow pair (cut in half), or a long bolster pillow Again, from my stash of best panels collected over decades, all of which I'm trying to part with now, a batch at a time. You'll want to mix/match to put together your own decorator dream grouping of pillows. Every decorator magazine shows them now, from modern decor to antique. Simple project, really, or get your local upholstery shop to put it together. It's so fun! Full measurements noted on the photos but will add here: 42" long with a slightly arched top so it is 23" at center and tapers to 15.5" tall at each side. Perfect size for a large bolster or bed pillow as it is, or you can make a center cut and create a matching pair of pillows. You might even finish it as a wall hanging. Be creative!
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. As noted, at least 150 years old, but beautifully preserved - a back from a settee, seldom used and away from sunlight, it has survived with almost not much fading to the worked and dyed silk and wool yarns (compare to backside yarn colors). Supple linen canvas, there is some fold-over for you to work with (not counted in measurements) as you set it into silk velvet, or a satin, or you can easily mount it with an antique French trim length of passementerie. We have a good selection for you to gather several complimenting panels together to achieve your own personal work of decorator's art. Ask for help choosing if you're unsure.
