This item has SOLD** Magnificent Antique Very Early Eighteenth Century Italian Ecclesiastic Vestment Panel Four Evangelists

***THIS ITEM HAS SOLD***A ravishing Italian religious textile, it honors the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It originates from a large French collection and dates towards 1700. The panel would have been the adornment for a priest's chasuble or chape.

The work is so very Italian, with very fine and delicate embroidery work. Each Evangelist medallion (Winged Man-Matthew, Winged Lion-Mark, Winged Ox-Luke, Winged Eagle-John), is lavishly embroidered with silk and metallic threads. The wings are in stumpwork which gives them a 2-D appearance. The very delicate leaves and vine work is embellished with gilt paillettes. Bezel set glass stones (of multiple colors) are found at the base of the white flower buds ( a few missing stones). Gilt metal cording (in gilt and tarnished silver) has been painstakingly embroidered to form festoon-like leaves for the flower buds and for the large crosses. Pearls (a few missing) are set into the center of each large white flower. The work was placed on crimson silk velvet (the nap has mostly worn and the color has faded to a pale rose). There are three braid trims (metallic and velvet) at the edges. The back is a 19th century fabric; a crimson silk damask.

It measures: 36 1/2" x 7". It is in very good antique condition with the designs intact (some slight wear as is typical of advanced age....please view photos as they are the best description. Fading to back fabric.

It is one of the most magnificent and intricately detailed works that we have had the fortune to find. The symbolism and intricate hand work are absolutely astonishing.