19th Century Miniature Stipple Engraving Ladies Tambour Embroidery Regency C 1810

If you are a stitcher, or needlework enthusiast you will appreciate the rarity of this miniature engraving. Ladies shown embroidering either with needle, or tambour hook is a fairly rare depiction in art.

This rare and decorative miniature stipple engraving was is English in origin and dates to the 1800 to 1810 period. The hand-coloured stipple engraving two young ladies tambouring. Tambouring (also known as tambour embroidery or tambour work, Point de Pompadour) is a highly specialized needlework technique. It involves stretching a piece of fabric taut over a frame and piercing the fabric from above catching the thread underneath and pulling it back through to create a chain stitch. Introduced to Europe from China and India in the 1700s it became a very popular pastime for ladies from the genteel classes. See the portrait of The Waldegrave sisters - Elizabeth Laura, Charlotte Maria & Anna Horatia. Painted by Reynolds 1780

The engraving is housed behind its original convex glass in its original black papier mache frame. This is one of the smallest types of papier mache frame, the frames were predominantly used by portrait miniaturist artist during the first quarter of 19th century. The back of the frame features the original framer's label reading:

‘Jones. Looking Glafs & picture frame manufacturers. Print Sellers, High Street, Oxford.’ It is extremely uncommon to find a piece of this age that is complete with its original framer’s label. Notice how the ‘s’ in ‘glass’ has been spelt with an ‘f,’ such an early piece.

The framer’s label is for Mrs Jones, print seller of High Street, Oxford, England. Mrs Ann Jones carried on the family business after her husband, William David Jones (b 1758 – d 1802), passed away in 1802. William is buried at The University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford.

This is a truly wonderful little engraving in the most incredible frame. This is the perfect item for anyone who loves all things Georgian era.

Measuring: Frame width 3 5/8 inch (9 cm) by height 4 5/8 inch (11.5 cm). Aperture width 1 5/8 inch (4.5 cm) by height 2 1/8 inch (5.5 cm).

Condition: Age darkening to the paper. The frame has light surface wear commensurate with age. A few minor chips to right edge of frame.

Item id:16515