Needlework Picture of Pastoral Scene by Mary Woodhull

Dateca. 1755

Artist/Maker Mary Woodhull (1745-1815)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston (probably)

MediumCrewel embroidery threads on a linen ground of 24 x 26 threads per inch

DimensionsOH: 21 1/4"; OL: 25 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1961-50,A

DescriptionThis is a framed needlework picture worked in brown, blue, red, green, gold, and ivory crewel wool embroidery threads on a linen ground. The picture consists of a harvest scene depicting a man harvesting grain; a figure of a woman dressed in a pink petticoat, striped short gown, and hat with her right arm raised holding a sickle; a basket holding a bottle rests under a tree, pond with big fish; birds in two flowering trees, two spotted dogs, two flying birds, strawberries in center bottom, and a house in the background. The picture is framed in period black and gilt (spandrel) frame.

Stitches: French knots and tent
Label TextMary Woodhull may have worked this picture at a Boston boarding school, where pastoral scenes such as this were commonly taught.
ProvenanceWritten in ink on the stretcher: "Worked by Mary Woodhull b. 10 July 1745 d. 19 Oct. 1815 daughter of Richard & Elizabeth (Smith) Woodhull. Mary married 20 Mar 1774 Amos Underhill of Flushing L. I. issue two children."
Stated by Ginsburg and Levy to have come "from the Coles-Underhill family", and is similar "to one that came down in the Van Rensselaer family, illustrated in ANTIQUES of July 1941."