A rare Charles II partial silk stumpwork and grisaille cartoon for a frame circa 1660

unfinished embroidery depicting Deborah, Jael, Esther and Judith alongside various animals and plants, later mirror plate and walnut frame.

A rare object of great charm. The colors of the worked threads are of particular note in that they are very good. The silk ground is in fair condition. At some point in it's long history it has been folded to one quarter of its size (which may explain why the colors are good), however these creases are evident. Most notable the vertical fold. There is some wear and separation to the silk at these folds and very slight separations in other areas, this may require some sensitive consolidation. There are areas of discoloration to the corners. Most probably from water, this has occurred a long time ago. The embroidery is excellent, bar one area of loose thread to a cloud just below the mirror plate. The mirror plate is not contemporary with the work and most probably 19th century or later in date. It has losses and spotting to its silvered surface. The maple frame is also later and generally in fair condition. This work has not been inspected out of its frame. Sotheby's would recommend it is re-framed and conserved by an expert with light sensitive glass and hung in an area out of sunlight. A superb example.
"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."

This partially finished embroidery is unique in that it visually captures the creative process. Select areas have been fully worked while the unembroidered sections show the original underdrawing.  For comparison see an unfinished, partially embroidered, silk cabinet panel, illustrated, Morell & Watt et al, English Embroidery from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1580-1700, New York, 2008, no. 68, p. 247. Melinda Watt writes in her entry on the piece, '...the quality of the ink drawing on the satin foundation leaves no doubt that it was the work of a professional draughtsman or pattern drawer.'

The present example features interesting iconography that glorifies Old Testament heroines: Jael, Esther, Deborah, and Judith. Since needlework was one of the few educational activities available to women, it was an opportunity for them to depict the women they admire and the stories that interested them the most.