Floral Silk and Woolwork Embroidery
This charismatic and very rare panel of Valenciennes lace was possibly intended as a table cover.
Worked with scenes from The Nativity including Herod in his palace, the soothsayers foretelling the birth of the Infant king and the journey of The Magi.
The panel has the inscription 'CEST POUR VOUS MADAME'
Valenciennes was formerly part of Flanders until 1668, being in the province of Haihault. The lace is said to have been often worked in in cellars, where the damp conditions prevented the tiny threads from breaking. Such fine work caused the workers to become almost blind and many were unable to continue work beyond the age of thirty.
English. Circa 1700.
Size: 117 cm (46 in) x 107 cm (42 in).
Framed in a museum quality UV protective Plexiglas case
