A pair of framed embroidered panels of Charles II and Queen Catherine of Braganza, English the embroidered panels circa 1660

two polychrome floss silk thread embroidered figural panels on a cream satin ground, worked predominantly in short and long stitch, some knots, and some raised elements, the centre of each panel with a crowned figure standing underneath a raised work blue and white striped canopy with a scallop fringe, tied with a yellow ribbon bow and all flanked by a green and yellow tasselled swag, both in a landscape setting, one with a male figure with moustache, wearing regalia and holding a staff, representative of Charles II, with a recumbent leopard in a lower section, the other with a female figure, representative of Queen Catherine of Braganza, with a recumbent lion in the lower section, each in a later ebonised girandole frame with fretwork cresting and apron, lacking candle branches and some with losses (2)

Each with a paper label to the reverse with the word 'Heirloom'.

Ilustrated, Gordon Nares, Country Life, Newton Surmaville, Somerset - II, September 12th 1952, p. 761, p. 762, fig. 4. In the hall.

The Embroidered Panels: Embroidery on cream satin ground, which is dirty overall and discoloured at edges, with dark marks. Pencil marks visible in places to the ground. Some small holes, particularly around the raised animal in the foreground of each panel. Faded colours generally. Wear to some of polychrome threads, particularly to those used on surface of raised areas, for example the lion and the leopard, and frayed/loose threads stand proud in the lower areas of the clothing to both figures. Some areas of thread loss. Old black threads, where used, are distressed. Only the features have embroidered detailing and they are predominant due to the dark guiding markings underneath. The embroidered panels have been cut and glued onto plywood backing. (The satin panel is approximately: 35cm. high, and 13.5cm. wide). The Fret-work Frames: Country House condition. These farmes are probably 19th century. Both frames have some partial splitting to the fret-work. These frames lack candlebranches. The left frame in the catalogue illustration has partial loss of fret-work to the surmount and the apron. The apron is loose and the reverse with later tape, it is in a delicate state. This piece will require attention. The other frame is generally tidy but has a slight loss to fret-work in the surmount To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

See the Collection of the Late Sir Frederick Richmond, Bt, Christie's, London, 14th June 2001, lot 29, for needlework mirror with similarly composed side panels, although unfinished and these were largely worked in ink, the figures with female personifications of the Elements under bow tied canopies, and the leopard and lion where included in the design underneath the figures as in the present panels. See also lot 28, in this cited sale for another mirror, with crowned standing figures, elaborately worked with embroidered panels of similar conception and including the recurring 17th century English motif of the recumbent animals.

Embroidery in this style was used to decorate small table caskets, for example see Sotheby's, London, 5th June 2007, lot 102.

Further Literature:

Mary M Brooks, English Embroideries of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, in the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, London, 2004, for discussion on collectors, makers, sources and stitches, and illustrations of the specific pieces in the collection.

Lanto Synge, Art of Embroidery, History of Style and Technique, The Royal School of Needlework, London, 2001, Chapter Five, The Seventeenth Century, pp.110-159, Embroidered Pictures and Stumpwork, pp.131-143, for discussion of the technique, manufacture and subject matter of these panels, illustrating examples which were used used on mirrors or made up into the caskets.