A rare silk and silver thread needlework picture by Mary Sibley

A rare silk and silver thread needlework picture by Mary Sibley, depicting the Sibley sisters, standing in a gallery below a canopy with tassels, with a cityscape, possibly London, in the distance, with painted details and embroidered outlines, with a silver braid outer border, the brick wall formed with couchwork, dated '1670', the verso with a description of the three Sibley sisters by a relative George Edwards in 1771, Edwards states that 'all three were with child and that Mary was the daughter of Mr Cresnard of Earlscone (Earls Colne) Essex and married George Sibley gent of Westham, Essex, who was the son of Nathan Sibley, Deputy of Coleman Street ward of London', 17th / 18th century, 13.7 x 18.2cm, in a later glazed ebonised wood moulded frame.

The figures in this picture were directly taken from Wenceslaus Hollar's (Czech 1607-1677) fashion plate etchings: Theatrum Mulierum. The central figure is a direct copy of Mulier Generosa Anglica.

George Sibley was baptised 10th January 1731 St. Stephens, Coleman Street London, of East India House, died 1771.

Mary Sibley married to George Sibley, died 1770 buried in Wansted, Essex.

George Edwards (1694-1771) was born in Stratford, Essex. He was the librarian for the Royal School of Physicians. He was a respected painter of natural history and ornithology. He retired to Plaistow Green, Essex.