A spectacular late 1600's early 1700's  embroidery. Probably French or Italian.  All done in silk and metal thread. Depicting Christ appearing before St. Helene in Rome. 
 
The very fine embroidery work is incredible and must have taken months to complete.
 
At the upper right hand corner you will see the figure of Christ appearing from the heavens with an orb and angel at one side.
 
Below the figure of St. Helene to the left for small figures in the background. To the right a river with sailing ships and small figures in small cargo boats. Above the ships the city of Rome. 
 
Along the bottom edge there is a latin inscription. 
 
At a later period framed in a bois dore frame probably dating from the 1800's. 
 
We bought the piece at auction. The embroidery was part of a vast  collection of Mousieur Jean-Marie Leonce Mesnard who lived during the 19th century. He was a passionate collector or art and donated hundreds of works to the Grenoble museum. 
 
Photos are a good represenation of actual color and condition.
 
Measurements
 
With the frame 
 
33.5 cm across x 28.8 cm 
 
the emboridery on it's own measures 
 
26.5 cm across x 22 cm 
 
Condition
 
Condition of the embroidery is excellent with no appranant damage. Colors are good strong and even. The only thing to note is that the piece has been applied to a cardboard back at some point in it's history. Possibly to stabilize it or was done when the piece was framed. 
 
The boise dore frame is in good condition and well made with only a few small scrapes and a bit of missing paint mostly at the corners 
 
Shipping
 
Please refer to our homepage for shipping details.