A PAIR OF RARE LATE 17TH CENTURY ITALIAN VELVET AND APPLIED EMBROIDERY MARRIAGE WALL HANGINGS, PROBABLY MADE FOR THE MORONI AND GAMBINO FAMILIES the plum velvet grounds richly decorated in applied embroidery worked in coloured silk and couched silver and gilt metal thread, each with a central design of coat of arms surmounted by crowns and surrounded by scrolling flowers including roses, carnations, iris and tulips, 218cm high x 137cm wide Ceremonial marriage wall hangings were made to commemorate alliances between noble families. They are exhibited on grand social and official occasions. Here the coat of arms are most probably of the Moroni family (Lion and Tower) and the Gambino family (Lion upholding Tree). The Moroni were a noble family of Milan, whose number included Gerolamo Moroni, created Count of Lecco and Duke of Boiano by the Emperor Maximiliano Sforza in 1513. The Gambino were a noble family from Catania, Sicily, whose number included Leonard Gambino, Magistrate to the Grand Court of the Kings in 1786.  Provenance: Purchased by the present owner from Lamberty, London.