Pair of Silk Embroideries

One of the most admired needlework genres is that of early English silk embroidered pictures, both raised and flat work. We are pleased to offer this exceptional pair of silk embroideries portraying a lady and a gentleman. The depictions are highly detailed and beautifully stitched, with many metallic embellishments and highly refined details. The compartmented pictorial borders, with many classic motifs and subjects, provide outstanding frameworks to the compositions and share their overall design and many specific depictions with other early English examples. 

There are many details to admire. Each figure is wonderfully attired and stands in an organic setting under sky implied by sun rays, formed with tight metallic coils, peeking out from clouds formed of French knots. Other metallic embellishments were used for the gentleman’s walking stick, the sheath of his sword, the edging of his jacket and the fur lining of his boots. Additionally they were used for the highlights of some of the border compartments on both, notably the water splashing from the fountains. 

This style of needlework began in the 17th century; while not from the early period, this pair was likely made in the late 18th century in the same tradition. The wonderful carved and painted frames are original and are also 18th century. 

Worked in silk and metallic embellishments on silk, these are in excellent condition, spaced away from the UV glass.