Description
I purchased this piece of 17th Century Stuart embroidery in 2016 and have decided to move it on to a new home. The design is in the style of traditional Stuart Stumpwork pieces however the design is almost completely worked flat in long and short stitch with some fine silk gimp outlining and water features, padded coral and french knot rocks. The embroidered panel has losses in the top left and the background fabric is discoloured and fractured along the top of the design. The reason that I bought it, was the fabulous array of clothing within the design – the lead figure in robes, two military and two in fashionable Stuart attire. I have not cleaned or done anything with this piece apart from study the details and design – I was originally going to send it off to be cleaned and conserved but have never gotten around to it. The panel was most likely part of a mirror – as it is the correct size for that – and is still on it’s original board, which is visible from the back of the frame. The condition when I purchased it was described as ‘Fair with Losses and Wear’ and that hasn’t changed in the time that I’ve had it stored in a padded bag in a cupboard. The molded gilt frame measures 47cm x 29.5cm (18.5″ x 11.5″) and the embroidery measures 30.5cm x 10.7cm (12″ x 4 1/4″). The image was sold as Moses leading his followers – I believe this to be incorrect – My thought is that it is Abraham leading his followers to Canaan. Click on the images to enlarge