Pair of "Stevengraphs" of Columbus Leaving Spain and Arriving in America

This is of American interest! Two "Stevengraphs" woven in silk: the first "Columbus Leaving Spain" on 3rd August 1492, being blessed by a priest before being ferried to his ship; the second "Landing of Columbus" on 12th October 1492 showing him raising his standard while the natives hide behind trees! Dating from late 19th century, both frames are double sided to show the original Stevengraph label advertising other Stevengraphs which were available at that time. The colours are exceptionally strong in thes examples. Stevengraphs are pictures woven in silk, invented by Thomas Stevens ca 1862. In 1862 Stevens had only four designs but over 900 by the late 1880s. They were mostly bookmarks or greetings cards; some scenes from history as in this example, or hunting or military scenes.