Magnificent Antique 17th Century French Ecclesiastic Needlework Vestment Cope Hood

This is an extraordinary and extravagant example. It is French and dates from 1680-1700. The very delicate and beautifully worked stitches unfold into a rich and very painterly religious scene. The Madonna kneels before the Christ Child with an expression of serene adoration. Three angels look down from a billowing cloud with expressive hand gestures and joyful facial expressions. The rich colors of the threads impart a luminous quality. Each stumpwork (raised needle work) face has realistic expression and form (which is amazing as it was achieved with the tiniest of stitching). The scene has a lovely sense of perspective; one can see trees in the distance through the open space between the columns. A curving red border surrounds the figures and gives wide window frame to the scene. Elegant flowers and leaves finish the work which ends with a 1/2" wide gilt metallic brocade braid. The scene on the hood depicts the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and that feast day is observe