A PAIR OF GEORGE III SILK NEEDLEWORK PANELS CIRCA 1800

The first depicting a seated maiden feeding sheep within a pastoral landscape, the second depicting a shepherdess seated beside two recumbent sheep and writing TANCRED  on a tree within a pastoral landscape, each in a giltwood frame with verre eglomise glass.

Overall good condition with very minor fading to colors, some minor flaking and losses to the verre eglomise, the giltwood frames with some chips, flaking and losses to the gilding overall with some minor wear.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The scene of the shepherdess pointing to a name on the tree depicts Hermine, the former Princess Erminia, from the epic poem of Torquato Tasso (1544-1595), La Gerusalemme liberata, circa 1580.  She had fallen in love with Tancred, one of the crusader heroes of the poem, only to have her love unrequited, but as she had betrayed her people, she was forced to join a group of shepherds.  The poem was translated into English in 1600 by Edward Fairfax, and was the basis for many plays, operas and subsequent interpretations throughout Europe from the 17^th to the 19^th century.