An Early 18thC English Embroidered Silkwork & Watercolour of The Prodigal Son

Object Description

The early silkwork and watercolour, in unrestored order, hand-worked in silk threads in earthy hues on a cream silk ground, depicting a father welcoming his son who kneels on the chequerboard floor before him, his other son, with hound beside him, looking on, against an architectural backdrop with archway, tree, and floral urn, worked in satin stitch, long and short stitch, stem stitch, and french knots, faces and limbs delineated in watercolour and presented in its original gilded moulded frame and surviving from the very early part of eighteenth century England.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke 15:11–32. The character of the forgiving father, who remains constant throughout the story, is a picture of God. In telling the story, Jesus identifies Himself with God in His loving attitude toward the lost, symbolised by the younger son (the tax collectors and sinners of Luke 15:1). The elder brother represents the self-righteous (the Pharisees and teachers of the law of Luke 15:2).

Undeniably attractive in completely untouched splendour.

Object Condition

The picture and frame are both in decorative and slightly tired condition but remain stable, beautifully part decayed and in original un-meddled with condition, which is always very appealing. Some parts are faded and there is some staining with the ground perishing in places, please refer to the photographs for a full visual reference.

Object Details