Antique 19th Century Painted Leather Folding Screen

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Description

An absolutely stunning antique late 18th century or early 19th century gilded and painted embossed leather folding screen ornamented with … Read more An absolutely stunning antique late 18th century or early 19th century gilded and painted embossed leather folding screen ornamented with a wide variety of intricate flora and fauna including birds, monkeys, moths, butterflies, dragonflies and even a cherub-type figure holding a staff. The flowers and vines are beautifully painted in shades of green, pink, yellow and blue. The imagery is vibrantly painted and sits on an antique gold ground. The origins of this folding screen are unknown but thought to be South American (Spanish colonial), due to the tropical imagery, or perhaps Italian or Dutch. Testing on the wood frame may help to establish a continent of origin.
Measures 75"H x 72"L x 1"D when stretched flat; 75"H x 24"W x 3.25" when folded.
The embossed leather panels duplicate the same imagery and were attached to a sturdy wood frame that his backed by gold silk. The leather panels were then secured with brass tacks. The structure of the screen itself is sturdy and could be used as a standing folding screen or flattened against a wall for a decorative element.
Examine the photos carefully and you will see deterioration and old repairs from age and use. This piece is not in perfect condition, but considering its age and origins, it's remarkable that it is still intact and functional. Scratches are found overall and losses are particularly notable in the embossed trim that surrounds each leather panel. Note the color variations between each panel due to light exposure with the left panel being the most faded and damaged. The gold ground appears to actually be metallic silver with a glaze on top to appear gold, as you can see small areas of silver where abrasions occur. Small areas of loose leather were secured using conservation quality acid-free Talas Jade R leather adhesive. Loose leather and trim can still be found and any restoration efforts were kept to a minimum.
Additional photos available upon request. See less