Featured An embroidered Memento Mori

Bought this a few years ago, a small piece of about 6x8cm.
Guessing it's French, maybe 18th Century?

One of the things my wife prohibits me from ever selling lol.
It is really beautiful (if you like this sort of thing, Memento Mori and embroidery)

 

Would/could you post a photograph of the back? (Of the framed piece.)

Debora

 

There is nothing at all of note on the back, simple brown paper

 

We always like to see the backs as well, regardless. 18th c paper looks a lot different from 20c. How corners are fastened...a nail through the frame side or a staple on the back, etc. The style of wall hangers....

It also looks like the inner frame is ivory? Can we get a closer look at that? It seems like there are lines visible on the left and bottom.

It's not the most anatomical representation but I love the fun snek face.

 

It can also help determine whether the frame is original to the piece which can, in turn, support dating.

Debora

 

The naivety is what makes the piece charming in my opinion.

The back has recent paper, that's why I didin't upload an image of it

 

I understand this. Please see my reply to the former poster

 

If it is recent then I always recommend people remove it if they have questions about a piece's age, artist, origin, etc. because kraft paper is exceptionally easy to re-apply (double sided tape, paper of any kind and a razor blade to trim) and isn't integral to the piece. It's a "dust" cover but isn't going to ruin anything if it's not there. Often handwritten notes are under it, or we learn about the construction of the piece or frame that helps with dating.

Also, it's still nice to see fittings and corner joins.

It's possible a newer frame was placed around the older ivory (?) one.

I have embroidered work myself based on a not anatomically correct illuminated manuscript, so I get the appeal.

 

I strongly agree with the above.

Debora

 

Thank you both, very handy information. Will look into it

 

-'help Us to help You !'

 

Neat thing! I love Memento Mori imagery as well.