A charming antique religious silkwork picture, dating to the late Georgian / early 19th century and finely worked in coloured silk threads with painted and drawn detail.

The oval composition depicts a haloed male Catholic saint kneeling in prayer beside an open devotional book and a tall red cross, the figure worked predominantly in cream, olive green and muted gold silks against a dark background.

The embroidery is particularly attractive in the treatment of the robes, curtain and surrounding oval border, with long satin stitches used to create folds, shading and texture. The face, hands, book and finer details are partly painted or drawn, a technique frequently encountered in early devotional silkwork pictures of this period.

The exact saint has not been firmly identified. The tonsured / receding hair, beard, devotional book and prominent cross suggest a clerical or missionary saint, potentially from the Jesuit tradition.

Presented behind glass in its old ebonised wooden frame.

Measurements

21.5cm Wide x 24.5cm High Including Frame

Condition

Good antique condition overall with the expected age-related toning and discolouration to the silk and surrounding ground.

The embroidery itself remains remarkably crisp with strong colour and plenty of detail. Some general spotting, dust and minor marks are visible beneath the glass, commensurate with considerable age.

The old ebonised frame has knocks, rubbing and small losses to the finish, all contributing to its genuine period appearance.

The reverse retains old backing material and later hanging wire.

A particularly appealing little early religious textile — decorative enough for interiors, but also a genuinely interesting piece of Georgian devotional needlework.