Description:
One of a pair of framed embroidered panels (see HD 57.063B) made of silk on a watercolor-painted background, each with a large center tree over scrolling vines with berries and strawberries (ripe strawberries done in raised work), over a large carnation-like flower and ripening strawberries framed in brass sequins. Panels such as these were a speciality of the area around Antwerp, now a part of northern Belgium. Antwerp was an important center for the arts throughout the 17th century, producing and dealing in paintings, prints, books, furniture and musical instruments. Highly ornate cabinets were made for storing valuable collections and became status symbols for the collectors. These panels come from the tradition of lining the doors of small wooden caskets with inlayed woods, ivory or even semi-precious stones. Of particular note is the 'ripening' cycle of the strawberry, beginning with a raised embroidered strawberry with couched silver thead, then a paritally ripe strawberry, and the finally a full ripe strawberry embroidered in red silk. The exotic trees have African overtones, and are an updated version of the 'tree of life' that was popular in many form of textiles from the east. These panels were framed at a later date for use on a wall.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+57.063A |
