Probably dating to about 1680, this large and charming silkwork picture depicts Flora the Roman goddess of flowers and Spring. She is shown in a central oval holding a flower close to her nose and she wears a long dress and has tightly curled hair in gilt thread. There are intricately worked columns to each side and an arcade above and the background is decorated with a wide variety of flowers including roses, carnations and lilies together with butterflies and other insects. At the base a lion and a unicorn are depicted sitting on small hillocks. It measures 20 inches wide x 17 1/2 inches high over the needlework and 24 inches x 21 1/2 inches over the later but antique giltwood frame.

Ref: 10845

Price: £2950