Fine and Exceptional Group of Four Ecclesiastical Goldwork Embroidery Panels of the Four Evangelists

ca. 1800, densely worked with gold and silver thread and bullion, gold broad plate, and wrapped silk thread, over a felt padding in areas, on a hand-woven linen foundation, the Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John with halos of lustrous seed pearls, each evangelist depicted seated before an open volume of his gospel, attribute by his side, all within a rich acanthine and floral border
each 12-1/4" x 9-1/4"

In overall very good condition. A few scattered minimal areas of thread loss and abrading, including at corners and exposed edges. Some faint rubbing to metallic thread. All as expected and consistent with age, material and usage. Threads maintain intensity and stitches maintain structural integrity, including the exquisitely embroidered faces, hands and feet.