Description:
Embroidered picture featuring pre-embroidered motifs, known as slips, couched onto a green satin ground. Dating to the first third of the 17th century, the picture has the familiar composition of similar, contemporary pictures, including sprigs of flowers, insects, and animals surrounding central human figures. In the center, a male religious figure on the lefthand side holds a book with the word "FAITH." On the right, a woman stands in front of an anchor; she is the allegory for hope. Faith and Hope were two Christian virtues. Both figures are grounded onto a small embroidered patch of grass. Flanking the central floral motif and outlined in metallic thread are the initials "M" and "B," probably referring to the maker. This picture was probably made by an amatuer embroiderer, either a schoolgirl or adult woman. These kinds of embroideries served as precedents for later embroidery and needlework created in both England and the American colonies.
Tags:
allegory Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2007.38 |
