Description:
Framed needlework picture of King Solomon meeting the Queen of Sheba done in raised work with polychrome silks, which was the term used in the 17th century for embroideries such as these (later popularly called stump-work, a term invented in the 19th century). An embroidery such as this was probably purchased as a "kit" for which an artist specializing in the work prepared the drawing on silk, and the kit included all necessary silk and metallic threads needed for the project. It is importatnt to note that that this work was badly damaged in transit to Florida on a prior sale (before 1958); and the the major needlework designs were cut from the original mount and embellished with reproductions of the embroidery that could not be saved, and which were applied to a new silk ground. The picture now depicts King Solomon sitting under a canopy with a male attendant standing behind, and the Queen of Sheba with two woman attendants behind her, one holding a parasol over her head. There is a castle in the right background, and a variety of trees, birds, plants, flowers, and birds, and a lion, dog, rabbit, insects, etc. encircling the figures.
Subjects:
Textile fabrics; Cotton; Silk; Wool Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+58.219 |
