Magnificent Antique 17th Century French Ecclesiastic Needlework Vestment Cope Hood

This is an extraordinary and extravagant example. It is French and dates from 1680-1700.

The very delicate and beautifully worked stitches unfold into a rich and very painterly religious scene. The Madonna kneels before the Christ Child with an expression of serene adoration. Three angels look down from a billowing cloud with expressive hand gestures and joyful facial expressions. The rich colors of the threads impart a luminous quality. Each stumpwork (raised needle work) face has realistic expression and form (which is amazing as it was achieved with the tiniest of stitching). The scene has a lovely sense of perspective; one can see trees in the distance through the open space between the columns. A curving red border surrounds the figures and gives wide window frame to the scene. Elegant flowers and leaves finish the work which ends with a 1/2" wide gilt metallic brocade braid.

The scene on the hood depicts the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and that feast day is observed on Candlemas, Feb. 2. Most vestments were/are "generic" enough so as to be usable on various occasions, not associated with a specific feast day or holy day. Those that are feast day-specific were likely purchased by wealthy parishes (or prelates) that could afford them. The vestment color for the Presentation/Candlemas is white or gold, this hood would have attached to a vestment of this color.

There is a burlap backing which has been added (in our era) to give support to the piece. It measures 21 1/4" (including braid) x 20". The Madonna figure is 7 1/4" tall. It is in amazing condition with colors still vibrant and needlework in good order.

It is impossible to imagine the hours and expertise needed to complete such a fabulous example. It is a rare and superb seventeenth century religious textile.