Precious Eighteenth Century French Convent Embroidery Panel Our Lady of Mercy

A breathtaking handmade stitched work, using hundreds of very fine silk embroidery stitches, it was made by sisters within a Spanish convent towards 1750. It is framed in a vintage wood frame under glass. This type of hand embroidered work was popular in Italy, France and Spain in the late 18th century. Made in honor and devotion to a particular Saint or the Virgin Mary, they were lavishly embellished with passementerie (ribbons, sequins, beads which were taken from "cast off" clothing which was donated to the convents by local noble women. These works were individually designed and often included painted facial detailing (as in this work). There is a dedication at the bottom, "Nuestra Sa De La Mercedx" (Our Lady of Mercy). Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (Our Lady of Mercy), Barcelona, Spain. The history of The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy is as follows: In early August of 1218, St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymund of Penafort, and James, King of Aragon, each had a vision of