19th c. Carved Walnut Fireplace Screen with Tapestry

ORIGIN: Tuscany, Italy
AGE: 19th century
DIMENSIONS: 30” wide x 12” deep x 50.5” h
MATERIALS: Walnut, tapestry
CONDITION: Very good; minor old repairs to breaks (see photos of two repairs to one foot as well as small crack on tail of creature on top); old nail holes visible on back where fabric had been replaced at some point.

Description

This 19th century walnut fireplace screen shows exceptional Italian craftsmanship.  Expertly carved details make this piece a standout.  Two carved doglike mythological creatures face each other at the top of the screen, which sits on two carved feet of the same creature.  The entire frame is beautifully detailed with intricate carvings.  The tapestry appears to be handmade and depicts a biblical scene.  The tapestry shows some fading while the needlepoint work around the border has rich colors.