French Louis Philippe silk precession banner

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French Louis Philippe silk precession banner

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Sold Date: 04/20/2008
Channel: Retail
Source: GoAntiques
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

This is a extraordinary rare and absolutely magnificent French Louis Philippe period circa 1830's silk church religious precession banner. I have seen Hundreds of theses banners in my life time in Museums. Churches and private collections but none as fine of quality as this one! This banner was made for the "CongrÃfÂ©gation des enfans de Marie" or in English Ã,Â"Congregation of the children of MaryÃ,Â" This church is in the South of France out side of Nice France. It was made for the Madonna procession and would hang on display in the church the rest of the year. The banner is made out of a ivory colored silk satin that is hand embroidered by the French Ursuline Nuns in the South of France. The symbols on the banner are based on the "miraculous medal," based on a design received in a vision of the Virgin by St. Catherine LabourÃfÂ© in Paris France 1830. According to the legend, Theresa was directed by Mary to fashion the medal as a symbol of charity. The embroidery is absolutely stunning! Depicting Mary crushing the head of the serpent. She is embroidered in gold & silver threads, beadwork and sequins. The Virgin Mary wears a draped cloak, her hair is long and wavy with twelve gold stars around her head represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Her lovely face, hands and feet are beautifully and masterly hand painted on to canvas with oil paint by a very talented artist. She is standing on the world and crushing the head of the serpent. This is on a silver relief embroidered clouds. Under her a crossed relief of gold thread roses, rose blossoms ending with lilies the symbol of Mary's purity. The bottom of the banner is scalloped with gold wire fringe on the bottom and sides trimmed with gold & silver hand embroidered metallic gimp trim. At the Top of the banner "CongrÃfÂ©gation des enfans de Marie" hand embroidered in gold threads, wire & sequins. The back of the banner has twelve stars in a halo over the Virgin Mary's monogram. The twelve stars depicted represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The Rococo monogram symbol consisting of the intertwined letters A and M, is called Auspice Maria, a monogram of Mary. Auspice Maria is Latin for "Under the protection of Mary" and is commonly found in Catholic religious art, on churches, and inscribed on jewelry. Under the monogram are crossed palms. The banner is lined with canvas cotton. Size 80x120cm or 33" by 49". Condition: Allover fraying of silk satin on front and back due to age and use. Humidity marks on satin back and front. Some of the embroidery lose which is typical of a 160 year old piece of silk. The overall look of this piece is quit lovely.