Sacred Embroidery With Lacquered Frame. Italy, Early 18th Century.

Devotional embroidery in mixed technique with printed and embroidered figures. Italy, early 18th century.

Rare and evocative antique religious embroidery, made using the refined mixed technique of "application and embroidery": the faces and main anatomical parts of the figures are created from printed engravings on paper or parchment, then cut out and applied onto a textile support, while the bodies, garments, and background are fully embroidered with polychrome threads and metallic filaments.

The scene depicts a hermit saint – probably Saint Jerome – in ecstasy, surrounded by cherubs and iconographic symbols (lion, book, skull), with an angel lifting him toward divine light. The background landscape, with architecture and waterways, is rendered with painterly elegance, while the clouds and drapery show exquisite satin stitch work and gold thread embroidery.

A precious and scenographic technique, practiced in conventual and aristocratic circles between the 17th and 18th centuries for the creation of devotional images for private chapels or oratories.

Original carved and lacquered wooden frame with arched top.

Overall good condition, with some wear and minor material loss.