Embroidered Picture

PeriodMid Sixteenth Century

MediumPlied silk thread on linen ground

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Julia Hartshorne Trask, 1946

Object number2084.42

DescriptionA small fragmentary rectangular panel of closely-woven bleached linen worked in plied silk thread in blue, pale yellow, and off-white. The embroidery appears to have been done in Elizabethan braid stitch and backstitch. Four virtually identical antlered stags, outlined in blue thread and filled in with off-white thread, prance across the linen panel from right to left, with their heads facing right. They appear to have floral sprays clenched in their mouths, and lift one of their front legs over a stick or branch. A small floral shrub stands below each stag. Tiny single flowers are scattered into the background around each of them. Along the top and bottom edges of the panel is a scalloped border band outlined in blue. On the left and right edges runs a narrow blue linear edging, with small scallops along the inside. The edges of the panel seem to have been hemmed, either partially or completely, at some point, with some remnants of tiny backstitching visible.
Curatorial RemarksThis lively embroidered linen fragment is the earliest needlework example in the Association's collection. It was most likely worked in the mid sixteenth century. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1533 - 1603), English embroidery experienced one of its golden ages in both design and execution. Needlework was used extensively for a variety of personal and household decorative items. Boldly contrasting patterns using two or three colors of thread were quite popular for coifs (closely-fitting caps worn by women), clothing, and accessories. The small size and elongated rectangular shape of this particular panel suggest it may have originally been intended for the cuff of a sleeve or the band along the top of a purse. If so, it may have been one of a pair when first created.

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