THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Antique Napoleon III Era French Velvet and Giltwork Embroidery Ecclesiastic Cope Hood

**This item has sold.** A sumptuous religious textile, it originates from a large collection near Troyes France. It dates towards 1860, at the end of the period of Napoleon III.

It was the hood portion (on the back of a "chape religieuse). The background of the embroidery work is fine crimson velvet. The gilt stumpwork ( a style of embroidery where the stitched figures are raised from the surface of the work to form a 3-dimensional effect. Stitches can be worked around pieces of wire to create individual forms such as leaves, insect wings or flower petals.) is magnificent. Two large festoons surround the central medallion. Large flowers, leaves and delicate buds are accented with gilt paillettes and gilt braid.

The central medallion, a symbol of Christ sacrificing himself for man, (is beautifully worked in silver and gilt threads. The pelican's wings are detailed with each feather formed from silver metal cording. The neck is worked in a basket pattern with silver gilt cording, which gives a realistic appearance. A single crimson bead illustrates the eye; red and blue silk thread embellish the next. Silver paillettes represent the wings of each baby bird. Rays formed from gilt metallic thread and gilt paillettes span across to each festoon.

A wide gilt damask braid frames the edge. The work is further embellished with 3" long bouillon gilt metal fringe. The back is a patchwork of original linen silk (hand sewn) patch fabric. The top edge is unfinished, as it has been detached from the chape.

It measures: 24" x 23" (not including fringe). The central medallion measures 10 1/2" x 10". The large flowers 3 1/4" and 3 1/4" long. It is in very good antique condition: The metallic stumpwork retains it original elements (slight wear typical with age and use) The velvet has light fraying, spotting and splitting (around edges of stumpwork) typical with age and use. The central medallion has missing paillettes in the rays.

It is a glorious religious textile from an lavish era in French history.




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