Embroidered and Raised-work Cushion, "The Judgment of Solomon"

Date1660-1680

MediumSilk, linen, and metal-wrapped silk embroidery threads with glass beads, metal strips, pearls, silk purl, spangles, wire, and cotton padding on a satin weave silk ground

Dimensions12 1/2" X 9"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-369

DescriptionThis elaborately embroidered cushion is executed in metal wrapped silk cords and threads; silk and linen embroidery threads; glass beads; metal strips; pearls; spangles; wire; and cotton padding on an off-white satin weave silk ground. Motifs have been given a three dimensional quality with cotton padding. The raised needlework on the front of the cushion depicts a king (Solomon) sitting on his throne under a green striped canopy with metallic fringe and trim. The king wears a red cloak with fur lining, metallic cloth doublet, elaborate red and metallic thread breeches, red stockings, black shoes, lace collar and cuffs, a beaded necklace and crown, and holds a scepter. In front of the king is a baby wrapped in a metallic embellished cloth. To the left of the king is a woman in a blue open gown with a pink/red petticoat trimmed with metallic embellishment and wearing a pearl necklace; she has a lace collar. The garments are trimmed with metal threads down the center front of the bodice, on the center of the sleeves, and in stripes on the skirt. She is surrounded by plants and flowers. In the background is a country house worked in metallic threads with a blue roof. In the foreground is a pond with a fish, coral, and a frog. On the right of the king is a man wearing boots, green breeches, metallic trimmed coat and a hat with feathers. He holds a sword in his left hand and a child upside down in his right hand; he looks towards the king as if waiting for further instructions. In the foreground, a woman on her knees clasps her hands in prayer and looks upwards at the child and man. She wears a gray and yellow bodice fastened over a white chemise and a green overskirt that opens in front to reveal a blue, flowered petticoat; she also wears a pearl bracelet, a pearl necklace, a white cap, and a white collar. A sun and trees are in the background. Birds, animals, and insects surround the man and woman, including a rabbit and a leopard.
The cushion is trimmed on all sides with a metal lace with spangles. The bottom edge has three 3 ½” long tassels; one is stitched in the center and one on each corner. The tassels are worked with polychrome silk and metal wrapped threads over a wooden core in diamond patterns. Small balls hang from the bottom of the tassels. The upper corner of the cushion has ½” tassels worked over small circular cores. The back of the cushion is constructed of a green satin weave silk.

Stitches and techniques: applied objects, detached buttonhole, couching, split, wrapping.
Label TextAfter the Reformation, responsibility for religious instruction and observances shifted away from the priest and towards the family and the household. Embroidery was one way that women were able to express their piety outside of church. This cushion is heavily decorated with raised work ("stumpwork") showing the wisdom of Solomon in judging the case of the two women disputing whose child had died. Solomon directed that the surviving child be cut in half, whereupon the real mother proved her identity by agreeing to give up her son, rather than see him harmed. (I Kings, Chapter 3)