Lot 304
**Previously listed at 150**
Europe, France, ca. 18th century CE. A miniature painting of Joseph holding the Christ Child, bordered by an embroidered floral surround that includes a pair of white doves beneath the sacred image, the embroidery comprised of silk and golden metallic threads, most likely created for a religious scapular, a Christian garment traditionally suspended from the shoulders, hence the name "scapular." Mounted on wood in an antique wooden frame embellished with red and gold pigments. Size: 7" L x 5.25" W (17.8 cm x 13.3 cm); framed 9.5" L x 7.75" W (24.1 cm x 19.7 cm)
The miniature painting of Jesus and Joseph is finely rendered with a Rococo color scheme, including beautiful blues and pinks characteristic of this period. Tulips and open-petaled blooms in various hues of blue, rose, and cream as well as shimmery gold with green tendrils surround the sacred image. Such floral themes were quite prevalent in the 18th century. Just beneath Jesus and Joseph are a pair of white doves. The flowers and doves featured in this embroidered work are immensely symbolic given the presence of Joseph. According to St. Jerome, each suitor of Mary brought a rod to the high priest of the temple. Joseph's rod was special, because if blossomed, a sign from heaven that he was chosen to be her husband. Furthermore, according to the apocryphal Book of James, a dove then came forth from the rod and settled upon Joseph's head. In this composition we see a pair of doves, one perhaps alluding to this story, the other perhaps a symbol of the Holy Ghost representing the annunciation or baptism of Christ.
The church was one of the most esteemed patrons of elaborate embroidered vestments that featured scapulary, and embroidery guilds existed in Europe as early as the Middle Ages. In addition to the church, nobility oftentimes retained their own designers and embroiderers to embellish garments and decorative furnishings. Louis IV, for example, hired designer Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin (1721-1786) who published a treatise on embroidery in 1770 which has since become a landmark source on 18th century needlework.
Provenance: Ex-private East Coast USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#119147
- Condition: Losses to red pigment and gilding on frame as shown. Embroidery shows wear and aging with separation and losses to threads as shown.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |