A EUROPEAN APPLIQUÉ AND EMBROIDERED ECCLESIASTICAL ALTAR PANEL, POSSIBLY FRENCH, 18TH CENTURY

A EUROPEAN APPLIQUÉ AND EMBROIDERED ECCLESIASTICAL ALTAR PANEL, POSSIBLY FRENCH, 18TH CENTURY

worked in polychrome wools with hand embroidered detailing, with further wool, silk, brocade and velvet appliqued fragments, comprised of three vertically joined panels, the central panel depicting the 'pelican in her piety', analogous to the sacrifice of Jesus, the side panels with landscapes, exuberant hand held fruiting cornucopia, and with the sun and moon respectively in the top corners of outer panels
approximately: 63cm. high, 175cm. wide; 2ft., 5ft. 8in.

Condition Report:
Overall measurements: 158cm across the top, 175cm across the bottom, 63cm along left edge, 60cm along the right edge (small section cut out of the top right corner).

Three joined panels, worked separately and the design does not extend across the panel, but works together overall.

There are some losses and areas of discolouration and distress to the light coloured silk ground of background and to some of light coloured areas in the foreground design elements. Some patching and hand repairs to these areas. Some of appliqued pieces are loose in areas, for example lower left and lower right corners, and the flower, centre of top edge of central panel. Some areas of ground design visible, where applique now lacking, for example fruit, top edge of central flower. On the reverse there are areas where newsprint has been used as support for the and the text is in French.

Some fading to colour, commensurate with age. Panel in not lined and therefore stitching and bright colours visible. Would benefit from framing in the future.

Striking and highly decorative panel.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Provenance:
Probably Rose Berkeley (1861-1922)