Antique French Silk and Giltwork Lamb of God Antependium

A very large ecclesiastic religious textile, it measures 5 feet 10 inches across, 16 1/2” wide. It is an authentic antique, dating towards the end of the Napoleon III Era, 1870. It originates from the Champagne region of France. The fine ivory moire silk is heavily embellished with metallic stumpwork, brass paillettes, metallic fringe and a central stumpwork applique.

The central Lamb of God applique is an incredible piece. The lamb is covered in silver metallic fabric and silver metallic coils over cotton/fabric, which forms the shape ( stumpwork). The face and legs of the Lamb are of hand cut and stamped silver. The Book of Seven Seals is covered in gilt metallic fabric. Hand sewn gilt paillettes form the rays.

The arabesque horizontal festoon is of gilt metallic fabric outlined in red chenille roping. The wheat sheaves and grape clusters ( and 7 seals) are of brass shaped paillettes. There is a 1 1/2” Ecclesiastic gilt metallic braid at the top and bottom. The gilt metallic fringe and bullion measure 2 1/2 - 3” long.

The backing is of white cotton. There are handsewn hooks across the top for hanging ( added later). It is in very good condition in accordance with age and use (smudging and darkening to silk, a missing sheaf paillette, slight lifting to the sewing of some of the applique and sheaves).



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