An embroidered panel with the sleeping Endymion - image-1
An embroidered panel with the sleeping Endymion - image-2
An embroidered panel with the sleeping Endymion - image-1An embroidered panel with the sleeping Endymion - image-2

Lot 115 Dα

An embroidered panel with the sleeping Endymion

Auction 1182 - overview Cologne
15.07.2021, 11:00 - The Exceptional Bernard De Leye Collection
Estimate: 18.000 € - 20.000 €
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An embroidered panel with the sleeping Endymion

Satin stitch embroidery in coloured silk and silver threads embellished with small coral beads on canvas. With a large cartouche surrounded by lush foliage and flowers depicting the scene of Selene discovering the sleeping Endymion accompanied by a figure of Cupid floating above with his bow and arrow. In the background, the sun sets over a calm lake. The scene labelled (in parts illegibly) below: “PI...CRVDO/ STRAL/ CIGLI OCIE/ DORME/ AVENTA”. H 53.5, W 73 cm. Laid down on canvas and softwood panel, in a carved and gilded Baroque frame, H 74, W 92.5 cm.
Southern Italy, attributed to Trapani, late 17th / early 18th century.

The story of the Trapani coral carving manufactory already began before the recorded discovery of the great coral mine there in the 14th century. Jewish families from Magreb moved to Sicily to make a living cleaning and processing the coral brought from the sea by local fishermen. The coral pieces were made into small sculptures, jewellery or set in metal to decorate mirrors, crucifixes and many other items directly on the island. It is exceptionally rare to find such a well conserved embroidered panel as this one using coral beads as accents.