'Twixt Art & Nature' A group of 17th Century 'slips' 'A'
Please read my Blog about 17th Century 'slips' to understand what they are and how they were used. References are also listed.
Here is the first of five groups of embroidered 17th Century slips, this groups being the most superior in quality, and therefore the most expensive.
We have a large floral slip which I cannot identify, with 3 flowers, 3 leaves, tendrils and stems.
Then, 3 small slips, which would be used for 'filling' purposes to create the overall pictorial scene. These are a possible dragon [or eagle!], a very furry caterpillar with a striped back, and a lovely snail with very finely worked stitches.
This group are in superb condition with bright colours, deeply padded bodies and well defined features.
Slips were worked by girls and women in the 17th Century from sketched designs of nature. They were not by any means all sourced from the English coutryside, nor indeed from reality! Mythical creatues sat alongside English flowers. Lions and tigers appeared as smaller than rabbits. Anything was possible with the 17th Century slip!
In this group, the main slip measures approx 5" x 5.5". The dragon - eagle measures 2.75" wide. The snail measures almost 2" across.
The colours are blues, buffs, touches of red/pink, and as with all pieces, the outline thread is yellow.
This is the only group with a detailed dragon/eagle.
Condition:
The embroidery is excellent with all slips. Please note that at a later period, these slips were mounted for exhibition/ display and adhesive was applied lightly to the backing fabric which is black wool. However, the face of each slip is lovely!