Important Danish Sampler, dated 1734, Allegory of Springtime

A finely worked in silk on linen ground, central panel embroidered in black with verses from a 17th century hymn by Joseph Addison. The identity of the maker, now partly unreadable, “F.... M.... work.. aged 12 1814” All text surrounded by stylized birds, flowers in a basket, crosses, vases and trees. Jardinière with flowers at the heading, flanked on each side with large butteflies and cherubs carrying the crowns. In fair condition, some thread deterioration, holes, fading. Mahogany frame...

“The Allegory of Civilization: A Historical Collage of Progress and Virtue” This monumental and highly unusual large-scale decoupage tableau—measuring 44.25 inches wide by 35 inches high—is an extraordinary and densely composed visual compendium of 18th- and 19th-century figures of global significance. Executed in a monochrome palette with light hand-tinting, the work comprises hundreds of individual portrait engravings and narrative vignettes intricately collaged together to form a panoramic composition of historical, cultural, scientific, literary, and military figures, interspersed with allegorical and architectural elements. This form of assemblage is rooted in the 19th-century practice of *papiers collés* and popular scrapbooking traditions, but this work surpasses decorative craft in both ambition and intellectual scope, bordering on the encyclopedic. The hand-cut images appear to have been culled from period illustrated books and engraved portrait sources—most notably from publications such as *The Illustrated London News*, *Harper’s Weekly*, and *The Eclectic Magazine*—as well as engraved frontispieces and serialized pictorial histories. The result is a vast visual lexicon of Enlightenment and Romantic thought, likely intended as a celebration of moral, intellectual, and national achievement. At the composition’s apex, presiding over the assembled figures, is a classically draped winged allegory—possibly *Fame* or *Liberty*—holding a trumpet and laurel branch. The mountainous background, waterfalls, architectural ruins, and pastoral settings lend the piece a theatrical and didactic ambiance, evoking 19th-century didascalic panoramas. A partial identification of historical figures visible in the composition includes: * **George Washington** – Posed centrally, gesturing outward with one hand; he appears multiple times in the scene and is shown in both military uniform and formal dress. * **Napoleon Bonaparte** – Recognizable by his uniform, bicorne hat, and stern gaze; appears in profile and frontal portraits. * **Benjamin Franklin** – Seen holding a scroll; a common figure in Enlightenment iconography. * **William Shakespeare** – Near the lower central register; recognizable from the famous Chandos portrait derivative. * **Johann Wolfgang von Goethe** and **Friedrich Schiller** – Likely placed in the literary cluster with other Germanic figures. * **Florence Nightingale** – Shown in nurse’s cap and shawl, likely near a grouping of women in medical service. * **Queen Victoria** and **Prince Albert** – Appearing in regalia, along with a number of courtly figures. * **Ludwig van Beethoven**, **Franz Liszt**, and **Niccolò...

By Jane Peacock age 8. With a Friendship poem along with embroidered birds, squirrels, and a charming house in the country with a dog in the yard. A pretty floral vine border on all ...

Hand Crafted Needlework Sampler in a Maple Frame. This sampler features the alphabet, religious scripture readings, birds, crowns and a patterned border - along with the creators nam...

Wonderful 1820's needlepoint by 12 year-old Ellen Roberts (American, b. 1817 - ?) of New York with flower boarder and quote: Count that day lost whose low descending sun. ...

Charming child's diminutive needlepoint on linen, American sampler, measuring 10" x 10"; incorporating the proverbial 26 letters of the alphabet and t...

By S. Norman. With a now brown toned background and overall embroidery with birds, trees, flower baskets and architecture. With an English newspaper on the back. sight 14 3/4 x 12"...

Early 19th Century French Lace Sampler A Sampler in the true sense, many lace samples presented in a long old gold frame, the frame has protected the lace and linen samples, there i...

A lovely naive portrait of a young girl Interesting provenance on the verso Watercolour on paper. Condition report- Some surface loss, foxing and a tiny hole top left Presented ...

Great set of 5 fishing prints Copper-plate engravings Published by Bunney Gold, London Unframed The measurement give below is for one print. Free shipping.