AN OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL NEEDLEWORK PANEL, DEPICTING THE DISCOVERY OF MOSES, PROBABLY FRENCH, FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY

AN OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL NEEDLEWORK PANEL, DEPICTING THE DISCOVERY OF MOSES, PROBABLY FRENCH, FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY

finely worked in tent stitch, in polychrome silk and wool threads, with metal-thread detailing, figures set in a river landscape with distance European style town, and foreground with flowers and animals, including a unicorn, within similarly worked fruiting upper and lower borders, interspersed with fruiting cornucopia, winged angel heads, one with a crown, later mounted within a glazed, carved gilt frame
Glazed Frame: 51.5cm high, 64cm wide, 5cm deep; 1ft. 8in., 2ft. 1in., 1.9in: Textile visible: 39.5cm high, 52cm wide; 1ft. 3in., 1ft. 8in.

Condition Report:
Framed: 51.5cm high, 64cm wide, 5cm deep:
Textile visible: 39.5cm high, 52cm wide:

Very finely worked. Evenly faded colour generally. Metal thread detailing in areas overall, as highlights. Some minor losses of the metal threads in places. Some losses to needlework in places with the foundation linen canvas visible, for example see the faces. Overall in good condition.

Panel is lacking the side borders. Possibly never had side borders. There is evidence of later stitching to side edges. Pale blue linen edging visible on vertical and horizontal edges of lower left hand corner of the panel.
The existing upper and lower horizontal borders have narrow inner and outer yellow and brown banding. The lower inner band has brown overstitched with yellow running stitch in thicker thread. The additional yellow thread has been added to the outline of some of the detailing in the clothing.

Reverse of frame is covered in brown paper, with some rips. Written pencil inscription - 'First on left of door'
Metal hooks in corners for hanging.

Charming panel, evocative of time and good example of the genre.

"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."