Pair of Monumental Framed Italian 18th Century Painted Tapestries

We have PLEASURE TO PRESENT to you an EXCEPTIONAL Pair of Monumental Framed Italian 18th Century Painted Tapestries.

We are of the firm opinion that these tapestries were made and painted in Northern Italy in the latter half of the 18th Century. Probably in the region of Florence or Milan.

Each tapestry resembles burlap and it has been hand-painted.

Each is mounted in a mahogany, custom made, frame.

The rear was originally lined with a gold velvet that has since decayed and been removed, but there is still evidence of the original.

The first tapestry features a ‘Romeo & Juliet’ style scene, with the gentleman serenading the lady by playing a Mandolin (a classically Italian instrument) in a garden setting. Both are in more high-end/elegant period attire.

The second tapestry, features a more rustic type scene, with the gentleman again serenading the lady but this time with bottles of ‘Chianti’ clearly involved, in a scene of merriment and harvest. Both are in period attire, but much more rustic in style.

They were obviously brought to Britain in the 18th Century as the Custom Made Mahogany frames are unmistakably ‘British Regency’ in style and construct. As the Regency Period spanned from circa 1800 to 1830 and the frames were obviously custom made then, the tapestries must predate this.

We are of the opinion that these tapestries were bought by a wealthy British person as part of their 'Grand Tour'. There is evidence of creasing on the tapestries and in our opinion this shows that they were folded and sent back to Britain in the Early 19th Century. The buyer then had his British cabinetmaker, custom make the mahogany frames to display them.

The frames on their own, are OUTSTANDING examples of Regency craftsmanship, with fluted and reeded edges, and a tree motif carved at the end of each side of the frame. Obviously, the craftsman's signature !

HIGHLY, HIGHLY, IMPORTANT AND EXTREMELY RARE AND FINE QUALITY FRAMED TAPESTRIES, from circa 1780.
You will NOT find another Pair like this ANYWHERE !

Provenance: Bought at Christies Auction House in London circa 1990.

The frames have some minor scuffing on the feet with age. The 'Romeo' Tapestry is near mint. The 'Rustic' one has 3 minor tears (see photos) and some very minor water damage at the base. But does not adversely affect the piece's beauty and quality.