c.1700's Mechelen Gilt, Tooled & Painted Cordwain Folding Screen

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About the Item

Stunning 18th century folding gilt, painted and tooled leather screen from Mechelen. Mechelen (Belgium) was a major European production center of gilt, tooled and embossed leathers in the 17th and 18th centuries--The major handicraft center for cordwain was Mechelen, where it was mentioned as early as 1504. Since the second half of the 18th century, this luxurious artisan product has no longer been made. The craftsmen made Mechelen very famous.

From the 16th century until the 18th century, one of the most sumptuous kinds of wall hangings ever made was gilt leather. Over the course of the 18th century it was superseded by painted canvas, oil-cloth and also at the end by wallpaper. Although gilt leather originally decorated a lot of castles, country houses and wealthy townhomes, it has become rather scarce. Remnants can usually only be found in the form of floor screens or chair coverings.

Despite its name, gilt leather has nothing to do with actual gold but everything to do with silver. The leather was covered entirely with a very thin layer of silver foil and then covered with varnish, this combination created a 'golden surface'. Afterwards, a pattern was printed on the surface and painted with different colors.

In the early 18th century the gilt leather patterns became almost symmetrical and textile designs influenced gilt leather strongly. Instead of the usual rectangular panels measuring approximately 65 x 75 centimeters, separate sheets of leather were glued together to form long vertical strips. If you look at the detail photos you can see where these sheets were glued together.

Image 10 shows the framework in a painted finish, just waiting for someone to choose fabric, and have the backside upholstered in whatever you deem fit.

Dimensions:
Height: 92 in (233.68 cm)Width: 142 in (360.68 cm)Depth: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Gilt
Place of Origin:
Belgium
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
18th century
Condition:
In very nice fully restored condition.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
Seller: jr7434b1stDibs: U09040282432048

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