FINE ARMORIAL PANEL

Probably 18^th century. 8” by 9”, oil on canvass on a wood stretcher. The canvas secured by non-uniform (not machine made) tacks. The central device of a lion rampant on a white bar dexter, flanked by drapes and over crossed branches. Above, a lion rampant from a crown. Below, the cursive monogram, L I D. Armorials such as this were, used to identify seats and family boxes of nobles in churches and government assemblies. The reverse bears a fine cursive inscription, Leonara, on the left stretcher bar. This panel was probably salvaged from a bomb-damaged church or cathedral in Europe during WWII. The armorials are Continental European, not English. The dating is based on the cursives. This would be stunning in an antique frame.