Panel (possibly Portugal), 18th century

Central pale blue field with three borders: inner narrow, deep red; yellow main wide, and outer light blue. Pale blue field: central fountain within an architectural frame the foal point of which is a figure in a shell under a canopy, two horses and a water nymph. This is a surrounded by Chinese-style figures in various poses and putti occupied by a variety of activities. Red inner border: A figure in each corner and a bowl of flowers in the center of each side. Yellow main border: Top – in the center, a female figure before a stove and brazier (representation of Winter?); left, woman holding a spear seated before trees with two dogs at her feet (Diana ?); right, standing female figure with Cupid and lamb (?) pierced by an arrow (?); extreme left and right, standing pseudo American Indian (?) holding an arrow.
Right – In center, a seated female figure holding grapes in one hand and a cup in the other with a kneeling winged figure offering a bowl filled with flowers (representation of Fall ?); to the right, figure seated under a canopy, kneeling figure holding an umbrella (?), standing figure, dog on a mound; extreme left and right, standing figure in European dress holding a spear.
Left – In center, a seated female figure holding a garland of flowers with fruit and a lion at her feet (representation of Summer?); to the left and right and extreme left and right, the same as in the border to the right.
Bottom: In center, a female figure seated on rocks holding wheat with a spade, watering can, sickle, and a rake at her feet (representation of Spring ?); to left and right an extreme left and right the same as in the top border. In each corner the Pious Pelican in a nest of thorns. In each bottom corner, a king seated on a canopied throne.

Outer blue border: Bouquet of flowers in each corner connected by a tasseled swag.

Entirely lined with linen (patched at top) included in the quilting and some of the embroidery.

Associated Images