19th C. French Petit Point and Needlepoint Tapestry

19th C. French Petit Point and Needlepoint Tapestry

We are very excited to bring you this huge and exquisite 19th century French needlepoint and petit point tapestry. The tapestry depicts the story of a church cardinal perusing the bill for the hunter's bounty with the monk looking on. The offerings and figures are beautifully depicted, using both petit point and needlepoint stitches, with the dogs in the background waiting for their portions. This theme was taken from a famous painting by British artist, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, (1802 - 1873) titled "Die Abgabe an das Kloster." (The Contribution To The Monastery.) The workmanship is exquisite and skilled as you can see from the pictures of the hand tied back which is almost as beautiful as the front.

Petit point is an ancient tradition but was made popular and is often associated with Madam de Maintenon, mistress to the French Sun King, Louis XIV, who started a school for young women. The ability to execute the St. Cyr stitch became an integral part of a young girl's standing in society. The larger needlepoints/petit point tapestries often told a story such as this one.

This tapestry came from a fine Estate and was enclosed in an ancient frame with hand blown glass, thus its superb condition. Unfortunately the frame and glass were in such a poor state, that for the safety of the tapestry, we had it reset in a hand carved custom made frame.

The large and impressive size would be magnificent on any wall.

Size of image: 54 1/2" Width x 44" Height

Size with frame: 62 1/2" Width x 52" Height.

Item ID: PS12-01-05-03

$8,500 USD SOLD