THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Antique Nineteenth Century French Religious Stumpwork Embroidery Vestment Cope Hood

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**This item has sold.** The lavish stumpwork embroidery applique work is a symbol of Christ sacrificing himself for man. (The pelican was believed to pierce its own breast with its beak and feed its young of its blood.......because of this was frequently represented in Christian art.). This is the hood part of a cope, which would have been viewed by the parish on the back of the full length cope. It originates from France and dates towards 1895.

It is a glorious hand-worked textile. The fabric is cotton woven with bits of metallic thread; this gives a shimmering countenance to the entire field. A one inch wide gilt metallic brocade ribbon outlines the edge of the fabric; following this is a 2 3/4" long metallic fringe. The stumpwork applique is exquisite, executed in silver and gilt metallic threads. (Stumpwork embroidery utilizes padding under the forms of the applique to produce a pronounced dimensional appearance). The pelican is worked in silver threads, braid and sequins. The wings are magnificent with row after row of hand sewn sequins of paillettes. The baby birds are delicately worked with rows of silver metal cording and red embroidery. The outline of the bird is embroidered in crimson and blue chenille thread.

The pelican's nest is of the same background fabric and is adorned with gilt cording and sequins. The rays are each ornamented with a single strand of gilt sequins. The pelican medallion measures 5" tall and 7" wide. The rays increase the overall size to 8 1/2" x 8 1/2". The backing is of a plain (once crimson, now pale rose) woven linen fabric.

It is in marvelous condition for it's age. The applique is in good order, the fabric shows little wear (except for the fading of the backing). It measures: 23" tall x 25" wide (including fringe).

The symbolism is poignant and would have been a beautiful representation for the congregation who regarded it. The work is sumptuous and a beautiful example of religious textiles from the late 19th century.




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