A set of polychrome needlework wool and silk bed valances and headboard, probably French early 18th century

each panel worked in polychrome wools and silks in gros point needlework with exuberant flowers on a dark ground, incorporating lobed cartouches enclosing polychrome silk petit point needlework Biblical scenes; comprising of a shaped headboard, centred with lobed cartouche enclosing scene of `The Judgement of Solomon’, (headboard with lower supporting wooden panel: total height including wooden support below: 126cm. at highest, 175cm. at widest; the wooden support alone: approximately. 63cm. high, 155cm. wide; 2ft, 5ft. 1in.), and three side panels `valances',  (Two side valances: approximately 56cm. high, 190cm. wide; 1ft. 10in., 6ft. 3in.; Front valance: 56cm. high, 152cm. wide; 1ft. 10in., 5ft.), together with two small carved giltwood corner feet supports (Qty 4)

Colours overall are very attractive and not as dark tonally as in the photograph. The overall appearance is still bright, and is crisper and more defined in reality. All the valances have losses in sections across the top edge of the panel, commensurate with being the most vulnerable edge. There are some minor repairs in areas of the petit point with the shaped cartouches, for example to the sky, and to some of light highligts of foliage in the surrounding floral decoration. The brown ground has some repairs, commensurate with the dye colour and age. Otherwise all panels in very good previously professionally restored condition. Measurements: Approximately 126cm. at highest,175cm. at widest, 190cm. deep; 4ft. 1in., 5ft. 9in., 6ft. 3in. Headboard: total height including fixed wooden support below: 126cm. at highest, 175cm. at widest (wooden support alone: approximately. 63cm. high, 155cm. wide; 2ft, 5ft. 1in.). Front valance: 56cm. high, 152cm. wide; 1ft. 10in., 5ft. There are some losses in sections across the top edge, as visible in the photograph. Two side valances: approximately 56cm. high, 190cm. wide; 1ft. 10in., 6ft. 3in.; The later carved giltwood supports at the front, support the panels up off the ground. One of supports has small section detached. The panels are easily unhooked from each other and from the headboard. Very striking panels.
"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."

The type of bed more popular than any other in the late 17^th century/early 18^th century, was known throughout Europe as the `French Bed’. The simple framework supported hanging curtains, valances and headcloths, forming a relatively plain form overall. Evolving from the 15^th century field bed, it could be easily moved and constructed. The status of the bed was entirely demonstrated through the hangings and degree of trimmings used. The wooden support components would not be visible. The valances added to the grandeur and were often more elaborate than the curtains, and more likely to have survived. In the mid 17^th century headcloths were often simple hangings and low headboards were placed in front on them, often comprising of ornamented material pasted to carved wooden backing. It was at the end of the 17^th century that needlework canvas work emerged as a form of hangings on furniture and the use of petit point subjects within designs of gros point continued into the early 18^th century. The billowing, curling leaves and scrollwork designs were popular in Europe, and designs were worked in principle ateliers, with universal character and hence familiar motifs. The English merchants imported the needlework. In addition an embroidery school was set up at the convents of St. Joseph and another at St. Cyr by Madame de Maintenon, wife of Louis XIV, to which she retired after the King’s death in 1715. Quantities of distinctive bizarre chinoiserie panels were produced by those sent to learn the techniques, which included the daughter’s of the aristocracy.  They were used for seat furniture upholstery and designs included figures and animals within the leaves and foliage, rather than within separate cartouches, typical of the bed valances. Wool was used with silk highlights, and in a combination of gros and petitpoint. The focal figural groups were taken from literary sources using engravings, and were mythological and Biblical subjects.  The present panels combine the literary subjects with the highly decorative effects and interest in botany.

For comparable panels see Sotheby’s, London, 14^th June 2000, lot 11, for a set of late 17^th century needlework hangings, comprising of six valances and a headboard, of similar technique, with figural scenes which were mythological and included Charity, Fidelity, Peace, Abundance, and the `bizarre’ design incorporated birds and beasts. The top valance (which was three joined panels) was approximately 70cm. high; 2ft. 3in. The separate lower valances were shaped across the top and measurements were approximately 75cm. high, 216cm. wide; 2ft. 5in., 7ft. 1in., and the front valance was narrower at 75cm. high, 189cm. wide; 2ft. 5in., 6ft. 2in.

An early 18^th century French bed with a similar style of valances, upper and lower, without a headboard, is illustrated in L. Synge, Art of Embroidery, History of style and technique, Antique Collectors Club, Suffolk, 1991, Chp.7, Eighteenth Century, pg.173, fig.153. For further information about similar needlework on seat furniture, see Chp.8, A Note on Furniture, pp.226-247.

For further information see P.Thornton, Seventeenth-Century Interior Decoration in England France and Holland, Yale University Press, 1978.