Description
Are you looking for a unique and well-preserved historical object with a tangible story? This antique silk embroidery It is a museum piece of religious textile art from the late 18th or early 19th century (ca. 1770-1830), which fits perfectly into the collection of Hi(s)story Antiques. It showcases the iconic Transverberation (the divine heart piercing) of St. Teresa of Ávila and exudes pure devotion. This type antique silk embroidery is nowadays extremely rare on the market, especially in this impeccable condition of preservation.
The history of antique silk embroidery
To emphasize the historical value of this 18th-century religious embroidery To fully understand this, we need to look at the tradition of devotional textile art in Southern Europe. In countries like Italy and Spain, the production of sophisticated religious images was a high priority within the monastic communities. This specific devotional side-table clock It is handmade with the utmost precision. Nuns and skilled artisans brought religious scenes to life using the thinnest threads of silk. Curious to learn more about the broader history and techniques behind historical fabrics and embroideries? You can read more about the conservation and identification of this type of object on the official textile page of the Rijksmuseum.
In this specific case antique silk embroidery We see that the central scene is set in an elegant oval medallion. This medallion is beautifully surrounded by a rich floral border featuring symbolic flowers such as roses and pomegranates. Within Christian iconography, these elements symbolize respectively divine love and resurrection. The use of various stitches creates a tangible texture and a stunning depth effect that is characteristic of high-quality antique textile art Teresa.
The iconography of the Transverberation by Teresa
The performance on this 18th-century religious embroidery shows one of the most mystical moments in Christian history: the penetration of the heart, or transverberation, of Saint Teresa of Ávila. The writings describe how an angel pierced her heart with a golden, fiery arrow of divine love. This moment brought her into a state of spiritual ecstasy. This devotional side-table clock captures that emotion in sublime fashion. The Carmelite nun leans back in deep surrender, while the angel with a serene gaze holds the arrow.
What is this antique silk embroidery What makes it extra special is the combination of materials. While the veils, the background and the floral wreath are entirely embroidered with silk, the faces and hands of the figures are subtly painted on a base of paper or fine silk. This mixed technique allowed the creator to convey extremely detailed facial features and emotions, something that was impossible with just needles and threads at the time. This enhances the artistic value of this work. The work of the convent of Thérèse of Avila significantly.
A unique play of light and color
A fascinating feature of this historical piece antique textile art Teresa It is the interplay of time and light. When you look at the front, you immediately notice that the colors have faded over the centuries, bleached by exposure to UV radiation and daylight. This gives the object a beautiful, authentic patina that cannot be replicated. It tells the story of generations who cherished this work in their living rooms or private chapels.
The true surprise, however, is revealed when we look at the back. Because the back has remained protected from light for centuries, the original, bright and vivid colors are fully preserved here. You can still see the intense yellow, deep red, warm brown, bright blue and vivid green as the creator intended it to be. This fascinating contrast makes studying this antique silk embroidery a true discovery journey for every antiquarian. For lovers of textile history, the V&A Museum Textile Collection a wealth of comparable reference material from this specific stylistic period.
Condition, origin and the original Biedermeier list
For the serious collector, the authenticity and the unaltered state of an object are of crucial importance. This 18th-century religious embroidery It is in a completely original and uncorrupted state. The embroidery itself is completely intact, without any holes or significant thread breaks. There are slight age spots present that are inherent to textiles that are more than two hundred years old. However, this does not detract from the aesthetic appeal; it actually enhances the historical character.
The object is housed in its original Biedermeier-style wooden frame. This frame is beautifully decorated with black piping and hand-scraped lines that perfectly complement the oval medallion. The back of the frame still features the old, original paper that seals the frame. The frame shows slight signs of wear that are appropriate for the piece's respectable age. This complete ensemble ensures that the The work of the convent of Thérèse of Avila It is ready to take its place prominently in your interior immediately.
All specifications in a nutshell:
- Product category: Religious antiques and historical textile art
- Specific technique: Handmade antique silk embroidery on a side-facing surface
- Details: Hand-painted faces and hands on paper/canvas
- Date: Late 18th – early 19th century (approx. 1770 – 1830)
- Regional origin: South European (Italy or Spain)
- Outside dimensions: 31.5 x 27 cm (including the wooden Biedermeier frame)
- Inside dimensions: Embroidery measures approx. 24 x 18 cm
- Current status: Unused, 100% original, intact and complete
With this antique silk embroidery Not only will you be bringing home a beautiful piece of art, but also a tangible piece of history that has stood the test of time beautifully. An absolute addition to the collection of Hi(s)story Antiques and a guaranteed eye-catcher in any room.
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