Nicholas Wells Antiques Ltd Wall Decorations

Important and rare set of nine exquisite New Testament silk thread appliqué panels known as Broderies à fils collés. Each panel depicts a distinct biblical scene, rendered with remarkable precision and delicacy. Signed Marianna Elmo, Italy, Lecce, circa 1750. Italy Circa 1750, 1755 Frame H: 95 cms (37.5 ins) Frame W: 75 cms (30 ins) Panel Height : 26 cms (10.2 ins) Panel Width: 20 cms (7.9 ins) Centre Height: 24 cms (9.5 ins) Centre Width: 18 cms (7 ins) Divine Threads: A Set of Nine New Testament Appliqué Panels by Marianna Elmo Scenes from the New Testament The scenes include the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Holy Family (x2), The Holy Father and Jesus, Jesus taken to the temple, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and the Resurrection. Each is rendered with remarkable precision and delicacy. Marianna Elmo Daughter of painter Serafino Elmo, an important artist in Lecce during the 18th century, Marianna was an embroiderer who used the technique of broderie à fils collés (glued thread embroidery). She created images and landscapes by gluing polychrome silk threads onto a cardboard support, covered with a layer of virgin wax. The faces and limbs of the figures are crafted from cut silk or satin shapes, further painted with tempera or watercolor to achieve lifelike detail. The panels contain many figures embroidered and painted with remarkable skill. Marianna translated the paintings of her father and of famous painters of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries into colored threads and is considered the leader of the school of Lecce embroiderers. Her fame reached Naples. Leonardo Quesi, Amato Quesi, Gaetano and Angelo Pati, and Irene Elmo, Marianna’s sister, belonged to this school. Marianna’s work is recognized for its technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity. Two dated works by her hand are known in museum collections: *The Flight into Egypt* (1752, Museum of San Martino, Naples) and a casket reliquary of St. Mary of Banzi (1754, Banzi, Province of Potenza). Additionally, the Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari holds two signed pieces by the artist. The panels were often used in religious settings or as embellishments for sacred objects. The compositions are inspired by prints, a common practice among embroiderers of the period, and feature key moments from the New Testament, including scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Medium The images are created using the technique known as broderie à fils collés, where thin polychrome silk threads and metal threads are meticulously applied side by side onto a virgin beeswax-coated cardboard base. The faces and limbs of the figures are crafted from cut satin shapes, further painted with tempera or watercolor to achieve lifelike detail. The panels contain many figures embroidered and painted with remarkable skill. Dimensions – 8 panels: 26 x 20 cm each – Centre panel: 24 x 18 cm Provenance Acquired from Sotheby’s, London, in the 1960s by the owner’s father; reframed in Paris by Christian de Beaumont...

MARK HOUGHTON THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS, 2024 Acrylic on linen on wooden panel 62 x 42 x 5cm Series: Urban Glitter Signed & dated verso All rights, the ar...

MARK HOUGHTON URBAN GLITTER, 2023 Acrylic on linen on wooden panel 75 x 57 x 5cm Series: Urban Glitter Signed & dated verso All rights, the artist.

I, II, III, 2023 This is now a set of 3 - they are available individually too - please ask. Paint, ink, graphite on paper 75 x 57cm Series: Midnight Series Signed & dated verso All rights, the artist. Mark Houghton...

Apron Strings MARK HOUGHTON APRON STRINGS, 2023 Paint, ink, graphite on paper 75 x 57cm Series: Urban Glitter Signed & dated verso All rights, the artis...

A 17th-century silk embroidery with the central subject of decollation of Saint John the Baptist presented on a large plate to the daughter of Herodias. The reserve with the sun & moon, extravagant birds, a seated lion and leopard guarding fortified towns. Flowers and insects throughout. In a period Tortoiseshell frame. Silk backing restored 17th Century Silk Work Embroidery - The beheading of John the Baptist The beheading of John the Baptist, also known as the decollation of Saint John the Baptist or the beheading of the Forerunner, is a biblical event commemorated as a holy day...

A very fine mid 19th-century Italian carved Carrera statuary marble relief plaque of four boys playing with a donkey. Mounted on a bronze stand. ...

Thank you for your interest in this pair of giltwood wall sconces. Nicholas Wells Antiques is pleased to present a pair of very fine carved giltwood ...

An exceptional pair of mid-18th century carved and water gilt wall brackets profusely carved with acanthus leaves and swags of plump roses, ripe fruits, harebells and flower heads. ...

A magnificent pair of late 18th century George III giltwood wall brackets fashioned as bunches of lilies suspended below festoons of 7...

French School, circa 1700 Judith and her handmaiden with the head of Holofernes, with sleeping guards in an architectural setting; and Alexander holding Parmenio's letter, defiantly ...

Rare 18th century giltwood framed carved and polychrome wax silver and gold decorated figure of saint Catherine of Alexandria icon, with original gilt frame. The rarity of this piece...

Oil on canvas Portrait of a gentleman 18th century Measures: Portrait framed 56 x 43 and 51 x 38.5.

A very rare mid 19th-century picture depicting the storming the Bastille in Paris, 14 July 1789. With incredible attention to detail, the figures all picked out in multicolored rolls...

Scottish, after 1837. This particular carving of the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom as used in Scotland is marvellous for the tremendous vitality of the Unicorn and Lions. It ...

Spain, 19th century. A Spanish 17th century style rustic still life. Depicting wittles from everyday life. Measures: Height 19 ins (48cms). Width 27 ins (69cms).