Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center interesting tool The back of this painting

The back of this painting notes the subject as Eglise de Maisons Lafitte

not totally my usual thing but I thought--think--it quite striking and grand feeling

with theorem painting--as the embroidery very much mimics a theorem on velvet of a basket of flowers in terms not just of composition but also manner of execution

including hanging loop it measures 3 5/16” t

Fancy Antique Hand-stitched Wreath-Like Mat with Velvet Center interesting tool The back of this paintingI love the back of this mat as much as the front, revealing all of the hand stitching involved in its construction. I'm guessing made as a candle mat, with one candle to stand on the black velvet at center (a wonderfully imperfectly shaped circle). Found in Pennsylvania, late 19th c. I would guess. I'd be inclined to hang it on the wall, like a shining star or sun or wreath, but it would also be great at the center of the table. Approx 12" in diameter