A lot of speculation that John Brown was more than the "Faithful Servant Medal" and "Devoted Service Medal" she created for him might suggest. Rumored to have been her lover, as well, he certainly shows up here as the trusted companion. Queen Victoria's daughters, shown here, referred to John Brown as "Mama's lover", And in her diary, the Queen mentioned her "heart's best treasure" as referring to the Scottish 'friend'. There is that kind of tenderness in this needlework portrait. Extra large, it is beautifully preserved. The frame, added much later, is a full 31" x 28". While I have no signature to go by, as to whom the delicately worked canvas either belonged to or was embroidered by, the subject and execution of this large tapestry is truly magnificent. Well-framed and with glazing, it is ready to be hung.
Very good to excellent condition, obviously framed and treasured. There are no evidences of damage, or bug-eaten spots in the silk and wool stitches. Very fine in nature and size, it's really a lovely work and likely done by a young girl. The faces are particularly tiny micro-point stitches and lend personality to each figure. Heavy due to the large glass. We might suggest it will be safer to ship with glass removed and then replaced. It is not the old laid glass which would have had tiny bubbles in it. So the value of the glass will be minimal and much less costly and safer to ship without. Up to our customer, however. Beautiful palette, perhaps light fading. We can't compare with the yarns on backside as it is sealed against dust and etc.. Isn't it just wonderful!
