Rare Late-18th/Early 19th Century Georgian Wool

While not quite as impressive or sought after as plundered gold, guinea pigs made a great impression on royalty and the upper classes when they were first imported from the Andes of South America in the 16th century. Their docile nature and other charms quickly ensured their status as an exotic pocket pet. Queen Elizabeth I was one of their original European fans.; The earliest-known European illustration of a domestic guinea pig is a painting (artist unknown) in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London, dated to 1580. One of the famous paintings, dating to the early 17th century, by the Flemish master, Jan Brueghel the Elder, shows guinea pigs surrounded by other animals.; Some prominent 18th and 19th century artists have painted guinea pigs, including George Morland (1763-1804). In fact, several of his paintings of guinea pigs were reproduced because of their winning images. One of these, from 1792, is in the collection of the Dundee Art Galleries and Museums. This in fact may be the inspiration for this wonderful and charming late-18th/early 19th century woolwork embroidery.; The stitcher used long and short stitches, crewel work stitching, overlay stitching and small dot stitching to create this piece of needlework art. These guinea pigs were expertly stitched in wool with a small amount of silk floss on one to give it highlights. The old weathered fence has a realistic look to it due to the incredible amount of color changes in the yarn as well as the shading and shadow effects. It was also worked in two directions so that the cross boards of the construction appear differently than the upright boards.; The flowers on the fence-climbing vines were industriously worked in satin stitch, with each petal separately embroidered. The large leaf being devoured by the guinea pigs was shaded with multiple colors and stitched so that the detail of the veins show. The entire composition was done in shades of teal and other blues, rust and other browns, orange and cream colors. These are traditional 18th century colors, and they harmonize very well with each other.; The piece is housed in its original, rounded rosewood frame with a wood and gesso gilded slip. It has attained a deep, rich red-brown color. It has a piece of old, bubbled and wavy glass. There is a remnant of an old family label that was on the back that says: “Late C18th. Possibly worked by (?) Dorritt, who lived at Durham.”; The woolwork is in excellent condition overall for a piece over 200 years old. The only thing to remark upon is that the colors have faded somewhat over time. There is no evidence of foxing, insect damage or staining. The original frame is also in excellent condition. There are some veneer losses, especially at the corners. There are a few small dings in it along the right molding, but nothing to detract from one’s enjoyment of this wonderful picture.; It measures 21-1/2 inches wide by 16-1/4 inches high, including the frame.

Reserve: $1,350.00

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