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Picture 1996.BH.930
Needlework Picture by Unknown Maker
Picture 1996.BH.930

Needlework Picture by Unknown Maker

DateLate 19th-early 20th century
OriginAmerica or Europe
MediumCotton, glass, metal, silk, wood
DimensionsOverall (H x W): 18 7/16 x 13 3/8in. (46.8 x 34cm) Framed (H x W): 20 1/8 x 14 3/8in. (51.1 x 36.5cm)
Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller 3rd Fund.
Object number1996.BH.930
DescriptionThis pieced, appliqued and embroidered framed textile depicts a man fully dressed wearing a brown hat with yellow feather; a blue plain weave cape with yellow twill weave lining; an off-white twill tape sash; a floral printed fabric robe with yellow twill fabric lining; off-white and diamond patterned stockings; and brown angle high shoes. He holds a brown shield with a crescent shaped motif in the left hand and a sword in the right hand. The figure has been assembled with appliqued fabrics with details such as the hands, face, feather, patterning on the stockings and the motif on the shield embroidered in cotton and silk threads. The thread for the feather is blue in color on the reverse of the object.

The appliqued figure is stitched to a ground fabric consisting of four pieces. A black, red, and white printed striped fabric positioned horizontally below the feet of the person suggests a floor for the figure to stand upon. A solid off-white fabric behind the figure is utilized for the background. These ground fabrics are framed by a ¾” wide light brown plain weave pieced border with butted corners. A medium brown plain weave 1 ½”-wide border further frames the object. The edges of this outer fabric are folded over the edge of a support board labeled “Sam Flax 40 E 28th St., NY, NY” and adhered. The support board has the central portion behind the figure cut out allowing view of the reverse of the textile.

Markings“Sam Flax 40 E 28th St., NY, NY” on support board
ProvenanceThe origin of this picture is not known prior to its discovery in 1996 in the “cedar closet” at Bassett Hall on a high shelf (where it eluded being assigned an inventory number in 1979).