RARE! Woven directly into the panel, lower left, you see a signature. I am having a difficult time making it out, but it is likely the artisan whose exquisitely fine silk tapestry this is. Never worked into a cushion, it has perhaps been hung under glass and frame since the back shows us that some fading has occurred. The superb and very fine weaving in this panel exceeds any we've seen. The quality and fine work suggests it is Beauvais Manufactory. Threads per inch are very high, and it is entirely worked in silk from all I am able to discern. The work is c.1700s, based on all I have on it, and years of personal experience as a collector and avid museum researcher. I believe it is my finest panel at this point in time. A French "Romantic" era theme, that also is most typical of the mid-1700s. Very slight possibility it is a salvage from a large sofa back, the outer band of dark yarns, about .5" wide, is woven apart from the main panel. A full 30" x 24.5", it is truly a museum piece, just wants a frame. Up to you.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The weaving is very tight, yarn very fine and is silk all or nearly entirety. palette is elegant, as are the features of the 3 people. One thinks of Boucher, Fragonard, etc., when experiencing this panel, but an even finer remnant of the past because it is a loom-woven panel. Likely an Aubusson. Quality is very high. There are 4-5 very small spaces where the warp could use a tiny stitching from backside. They do not gape open, but if you look very closely, a slight separation. Given that those might be repaired, I think this panel is strong enough to make up as you'd like. Seems too opulently fine for a huge pillow top, but oh, wouldn't it be stunning! My advice, frame it and preserve it for another few centuries. I have kept this one rolled in archival tissue and cotton fabric, no dye or acid. It has not been stored folded, and bears no evidence of ever having been. It will be shipped rolled in tube container, as well. No odor. Stunning panel!
