Details
An extremely fine deep flounce of Point de France lace, with extravagantly scrolling foliage with a variety of fillings, with raised cordonnet and brides picotées--104 x 61in. (264 x 61cm.), circa 1700-1710
Provenance
This flounce was frequently worn in the train of the Empress Josephine. On her death it was presented by Napoleon I to his uncle Cardinal Fesch. It is said to have been purchased by Lady Harriet Harrison at Christie's on 9th May 1888. Christie's records show that lot 147 of the sale 'Jewels and Objects of Art, The Property of a Nobleman Also The Jewels and Lace of the Late Countess of Charlemont (sold by order of the High Court of Justice in Ireland, Chancery Division, Buchanan v Charlemont)' on 8th May 1888 was 'A tunic, of old point d'Espagne, given to Cardinal Fesch by Napoleon I, exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1851'. This sold for 135 gns 0s. 0d. to a Mr Abel (presumably a dealer). The flounce may have been part of a tunic at the time of this sale. It subsequently joined the collection of Mrs A B Triggs of Yass, New South Wales, Australia.
Literature
See plate 272, 'Lace A History', Santina M Levy, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1983 for a similar example.
Exhibited
The Great Exhibition of 1851.
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.