Antique French Petit Point & Gros Point Needlework Chair Back c1790 Silk Wool Figural Floral Tapestry Textile

Origin: France

Date: Circa 1790

Materials: Wool and silk embroidery

Technique: Petit point and gros point needlework

Dimensions: 18 × 13 in (45 × 33 cm)

Weight: 120 g (0.26 lb)

Condition: Antique condition with substantial age-related wear, losses, thinning and areas of exposed foundation, particularly around the outer border. The deterioration is part of the textile's nearly 240-year history and is clearly visible in the photographs.

An exceptional late 18th-century French needlework chair-back panel, worked in a combination of fine petit point and larger-scale gros point using wool and silk threads.

The central scene depicts two elegantly dressed figures beneath a flowering tree, surrounded by an elaborate scrolling border in beautifully muted shades of celadon blue, ochre, cream, brown and soft rose. The intricate stitching and pictorial composition give the surviving textile remarkable decorative presence despite its timeworn condition.

Originally created as upholstery rather than wall decoration, the fragment has now developed the wonderfully softened colors, irregularities and distressed surface that make early textiles particularly compelling as collected objects. The worn sections expose portions of the underlying structure and provide an immediate sense of its considerable age.

It would be particularly beautiful professionally mounted and framed, perhaps floating within a deep shadow box so the irregular silhouette and original edging remain visible. An evocative historical textile for an antique collection, layered gallery wall or interior where aged fabrics and authentic patina are celebrated.The first photo uses AI to enhance the lighting and setting. The vintage item itself is unchanged. Please see the remaining photos for its original appearance and condition.