A needlepoint, Aubusson design wood fire screen, Louis XV Style
This fire screen has needlepoint on the front and velvet-like fabric on the back. There is a beautiful ribbon-like wood motif on the front. The screen measures 39 inches tall by 22 inches wide. https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/building-garden/fireplaces-mantels/antique-french-louis-xv-style-carved-giltwood-needlepoint-fire-screen/id-f_7804943/
The screen came from a beach sidewalk sale.
Auction House
Yes
Hi Rhonda,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The shaped sides and gilding on the French example in the 1stDibs link elevates that example from yours.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A Victorian carved walnut tapestry-panel upholstery screen
Probably English, third quarter 19th Century
Of rectangular form with serpentine top and ribbon crest, inset with an Aubusson style needlework tapestry panel with floral motif and brass tack trim, on trestle feet.
39 by 22 inches
CONDITION: appears to be in good condition with wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: acquired from a beach sidewalk sale
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
When the screen is fabric, it's used as a room divider or to shield from cold drafts; if it's metal, it would have been a firescreen (because fabric would not have withstood the heat as well as metal does).
Aubusson tapestries were hugely popular and widely replicated; the term "Aubusson Style" has become somewhat synonymous with anything with a woven or needlepoint fabric even if wasn't made in France.
The combination of the ribbon crest and relatively plain foot suggest an English origin to me rather than a French one; the 1st Dibs example you cite is quite over the top in comparison. In the late 19th Century (fourth quarter), the French were still making things were ornate whereas in England, forward looking makers were moving towards the Aesthetic and craft styles. Because this is still a bit old fashioned, a third quarter 19th century date is more appropriate.
Does that help answer your questions?
Yes, Delia. This answers all of my questions from ribbon crest to English feet and the shift to the Aesthetic and craft style. Interesting. Thank you.
Hi Delia:
I wonder how you can be so specific as to know this is th third quarter of the 19th century versus 1900? I thought the Aubusson pattern made it French for sure. Is it the style of the foot that tells you it is English? You responded in 18 minutes, I suppose it is all in your head. Encyclopaedic knowledge.
Is this similar? And is was this used as a fireplace screen? Or were they decorative?
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/home-accents/screens-room-dividers/antique-french-louis-xv-needlepoint-fireplace-fire-screen/id-f_14254121/
Thank you!