A fine needlework picture

An Allegory of Peace and the Arts

French, circa 1700-1720

The central female figure seated beneath a baldachin and wearing a plumed headdress, holding a sceptre and gesturing to a globe, a cannon, flags and a warhorse, while in front of her Music, Literature and Painting flourish and Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap, kneels to present a cushion bearing a crown and a mitre to signify the homage of monarchies and religion. It is possible that the presiding entity is, rather than Peace, an embodiment of Philosophy, or of France herself, under the patronage of either of which the maker of the design might wish the various arts to be shown to prosper. Worked in silk and wool in petit point and satin stitch, within a border of ‘Bizarre’ motifs in cross stitch.

The needlework 73cm (28¾”) high and 60cm (23⅝”) wide.

In an antique oak Rococo frame, adapted from a firescreen, 80cm (31½”) high and 72.2cm (28⅜”) wide.

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