
Exceptional antique early 19th century French chenille embroidery on painted silk piece depicting a courting couple. The scene portrays a woman in country dress and a man wearing a kilt, walking in a charming pastoral setting. Their faces and hands are beautifully hand painted, as well as a painted background comprising of rolling hills, sky and old castle in the distance, done in watercolor on the silk. At the base is a resting shepherd dog, sheep and a stream and brook. Much of the embroidery work was accomplished by using silk chenille floss. The luminosity and the varying textures created in silk chenille thread are mesmerizing. Unframed. Attached to a wooden stretcher, the old paper covering the backing shows tears. Measures 16 5/8" x 13 1/8". In overall good antique condition. There is some fraying to the silk threads on the brook and stream located at the lower left.