Needlework Picture of Pastoral Scene by Unknown Maker

Dateca. 1750

MediumWool and silk ivory embroidery threads on a linen ground (fiber analysis by microscope)

DimensionsOH 11 1/4" x OW 12 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1955-246

DescriptionThis is a needlework picture worked in shades of blue, red, pink, yellow, green, and brown crewels and ivory and yellow silks on a linen ground. At the center of the scene is a woman who is wearing a pink, robe-like dress and a blue ribbon around her throat. The woman has brown, curled hair, black features, and pink lips; her feet are bare. The woman is flanked by two trees, the boughs of one are covered in green leaves while the other is laden with either fruit or flowers. A large bird sits upon the branch of the fruit/flower tree and a squirrel sits to the left of the left-hand tree. In the foreground to the woman's left are two dogs and to her right are two sheep. The ground is laden with various plants, including strawberries.
Label TextThis crewel-work picture shares motifs with a group of Boston "fishing lady" pictures; the strawberries, dogs, and sheep in particular are found on several related pieces.
ProvenanceThe picture was purchased by Avis and Rockwell Gardiner in Newport, New Hampshire.