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1954-253, Tablecloth
Tablecloth, Good Samaritan design
1954-253, Tablecloth

Tablecloth, Good Samaritan design

Date17th century
OriginEurope, Netherlands, Holland; used in England
MediumLinen damask
DimensionsOW 84" (selvage width) X 144"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1954-253
DescriptionTablecloth of white woven damask linen. Repeat woven designs of Biblical figures showing the story of the Good Samaritan with six design repeats per width: injured man with another man leaning over assisting him, man on horseback carrying injured man to safety, monks holding books, men with halberds or weapons. Border has design of small woven checks. Tablecloth is woven in one width, without center seams. Selvages form the side finish; narrow turned hems at top and bottom. Indecipherable name or inscription penned in ink near edge. Red letters embroidered in, probably later additions.
Label TextThe story of the Good Samaritan comes from the Bible, Luke 10:30-37, in which an injured man is bypassed by a priest and a Levite, but rescued by a Samaritan.
MarkingsIndecipherable inscription, "In de czow (?)"
ProvenanceVendor says, "I acquired them (4 tablecloths #1954-251 to 1954-254) out of one of the famous English homes."