A Superb Elizabethan Carved and Pierced Oak Panel

The panel with a deep moulded edge, with small leaf-filled corners at the top, to create an arch. Immediately within the arch is a ribbon, with scrolled ends, embellished with chip carving and stamp decoration.

The detail of the face and upper body of the sitter is quite outstanding. A head dress frames the face, below which is a necklace, sitting above the bodice which reveals the underlying chemise. The sleeves, which show highly fashionable slashed detailing, all embellished with tiny intricate carved decoration.

The sitter appears to be glancing down, as if she herself were at a higher level, perhaps a fanciful thought, but this could well depict Juliet on balcony, looking down to see if Romeo has turned up.

Probably one of the finest portrait panels to have come onto the market since 1949, when this piece was last sold by Mary Bellis in her pre-Hungerford days, for the grand sum of £14.

The colour, surface and condition are perfect.

Width 12 inches, height 13.75 inches.

Ref 2159

SOLD