Needlework Picture, The Beehive by Unknown Maker

Date1800-1820

MediumSilk thread, chenille thread, and watercolor on silk in gilded wooden frame with glass

DimensionsOverall (Unframed H x W): 16 x 20in. (40.6 x 50.8cm) Overall (Framed H x W): 19 5/8 x 23 5/8in. (49.8 x 60cm)

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family

Object number1979.601.4

DescriptionThis is a needlework picture worked primarily in silk embroidery thread, with additions of chenille in the tree trunks and a blue watercolor sky. Two shades of brown chenille are used in the trees, two shades of white in the sheep, at least two shades of pink in the flowers, at least five shades of green in the ground and foliage, another shade of pink for the bricks, two shades of brown silk in the ground and tree branches, two shades of cream or yellow in the beehive, and black for the bees.

The scene shows a beehive in the center of a manicured garden. The horizon is bordered with a neat, white post fence bordered evenly with small topiary trees on the outside and evenly spaced flowers on the inside. Either end of the fence is obscured by large bushes.

In from the fence is a stretch of grass lawn, illustrated with horizontal stripes of green, shaded from light to dark. Within the grass are two flowers on either side of a tree, placed directly behind the beehive.

The beehive is placed amid a row of flower plants, planted into a row of dirt, which interrupts the grass. The hive is placed upon a stand, and small, black cross stitches are used to represent bees flying around the lower central entrance. Beneath the stand, two shades of brown are used to add shadows or suggest another object beneath the stand.

In front of the hive is a brick path, worked in even blocks of satin stitch. Below the path is another stretch of grass lawn again shaded from light to dark, with patches of brown to represent dirt. Two sheep, given texture through French knots lounge in the immediate foreground. Three trees frame the picture, originating from the bottom corners of the scene (two on the right and one on the left). A small bird sits in the branches of the left tree.

The needlework picture is in a wooden gilded frame under glass.

STITCHES: basketweave, couching, cross, French knot, detatched chain, and satin
Label TextThis garden scene focuses on a beehive, with tiny black cross stitches to suggest flying bees. The embroiderer created texture in the sheep with the use of French knots, in contrast to the satin stitch used for the majority of the picture. Bees were an integral part of early American culture. Not only were they raised for honey production, they were the focus of much scientific speculation and a symbol of industriousness.
ProvenancePurchased from Katrina Kipper, Accord, Mass., for use in Bassett Hall, the Williamsburg home of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rocefeller Jr. Given to C.W.F. in 1979