Face screens were on hand at a fireplace (which tended to be very quite large in order to heat rooms, remember), and were given to guests who might wish to sit near the warmth of the hearth, but not to have their cheeks blotched by direct heat, nor their wax-based makeup smeared or run. I've always found this a charming tradition of the Victorian era home, and we've had such incredible sets. This is a single of exceptionally fine work, both the mother of pearl and abalone inlaid shell work, and the elaborate and mostly intact oil painting of a castle. The Regency shaped face screen is in remarkably find condition for its age, c.1840-50s, likely was one of a pair originally, as they were normally made in pairs. This is a single face screen, but one of top value, a work of art. Perhaps it was a Grand Tour souvenir, as well. It is 15.25 tall with handle, the face screen’s body is 10.25 x 7 3/8
Very good to excellent condition throughout, for age and type. I can report only one 1/8" flashing chip on one point on the backside, so you don't even see that when on display or hanging. Backside is solid black, and both sides have just a minimal amount of the typical crazing to the old material. Handle is lathe-turned wood, gilded. The tiny hardware is still complete and overall, definitely ranks "excellent".
