Monumental Spanish Royal Armorial Appliqué Textile With Order of the Golden Fleece, C. 1868, 78” × 70”

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Description

Impressive large-scale Spanish royal armorial textile, executed in richly colored appliquéd wool and fabric on a deep crimson ground. The … Read more Impressive large-scale Spanish royal armorial textile, executed in richly colored appliquéd wool and fabric on a deep crimson ground. The central composition displays the crowned Royal Arms of Spain, incorporating the historic arms of Castile, León, Aragón and Navarre, with the Bourbon fleur-de-lis escutcheon and Granada device. These elements are consistent with the traditional Spanish royal heraldic arrangement.

The royal arms are encircled by an elaborate representation of the Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece, terminating in the distinctive suspended fleece insignia. The Golden Fleece has a long association with the Spanish monarchy and Spanish sovereigns.

The entire field is surrounded by an exceptionally decorative appliquéd border of scrolling foliage, stylized masks, flowers and interlaced ornament worked in cream, blue, green and gold tones against the crimson ground. The combination of heraldic imagery, monumental scale and elaborate textile workmanship gives the piece a striking ceremonial character.

Dating to the mid-19th century, circa 1868, the textile relates stylistically to the period surrounding the end of the reign of Queen Isabella II, whose reign concluded with the Revolution of September 1868.

Country of Origin: Spain
Date: Circa 1868
Materials: Appliquéd wool and textile on crimson fabric; later canvas backing
Dimensions: 78” W × 70” H See less