Antique 19th Century Crewelwork Embroidery Panel Circa 1800

A beautiful antique textile to adorn your wall. This late 18th/ early 19th century needlework upon linen depicts a Cornflower type plant worked in crewel work embroidery. We see an open spray of the ancient flowers wrought on linen. We love the old darned repair to the linen, bottom centre, and the French knot stitching to each centre. This panel most likely started life as a bed hanging or curtain from a large English country house.

The Cornflower is an ancient flower full of symbolism. It was a favourite design for needlework's during the Jacobean period, not that our embroidery is quite that old. The flower has a fascinating background. In tales from Greek mythology the flower is linked to the wise Centaur and skilled healer named Chiron. According to legend, Chiron used this blue flower to heal a festering wound on his foot caused by a poisoned arrow from Hercules. Chiron applied the cornflower to his wound, giving the plant a reputation for healing. This association is reflected in the botanical genus name of the Cornflower - Centaurea.

Hosed behind old glass, set within a 19th century birds eye maple veneer frame. This beauty is ready to display and enjoy.

Size: Frame 12 1/2 inch tall (32 cm) by10 1/2 inch wide (17 cm)

Condition: The crewel work stitches are strong and fresh. As mentioned an old darned repair to the linen ground and several smaller holes. The frame has an old chip to the top clearly seen in our images.

Item id:16313