Images(2)

Needlework Picture by Hannah Wilson

Date1739

Maker Hannah Wilson

OriginEngland

MediumEmbroidery wools on linen canvas; backed with metallic-silver damask (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsNeedework: OW: 23 1/4"; OL: 20 1/4"; Framed: OW: 26"; OL: 23"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-707

DescriptionThis is a needlework picture worked wool embroidery threads on a fine linen ground in petit-point stitches. The design is one of semi-naturalistic flowers with fanciful leaves on scrolling stems, springing from large container, which appears to be resting on grassy mound among flowering vines. A large bird (quail) appears to the left of container. Colors: blue-greens (formerly green), shaded blues, red, rose, pink, shaded golds, tan, and brown on rusty brown/black ground. The signature and date, HANNAH WILSON 1739," appears in top, center of panel.
The stretcher framed panel is backed with an elaborate metallic-silver and gold linen fabric in damask-weave, in a pattern of lotus palmettes surrounded by leafy, jointed boughs forming ogival compartments.
Label TextIn canvas work the evenly-woven linen canvas is completely covered by cross, tent, queen, and/or Irish stitches. Known also as “tapestry work” or “tent work” in the eighteenth century, today the technique is called needlepoint The thread count was generally between 22 and 52 threads or holes per inch, which is finer than that commonly used today. The embellishment threads were usually worsted—or hard wool—slightly twisted two-ply yarns known as crewel. Some highly decorative canvas work was stitched with silk and even metallic threads.
Canvas-worked pictorial embroideries were made during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I; however they were used to decorate an object, such as a pillow cover, valance, or table cover. It is not until the 1640s that the embroidered picture was considered decorative in its own right. At about this same time it became fashionable for schoolgirls to create needlework pictures. This canvas work picture was created by Hannah Wilson in 1739, possibly as a schoolgirl project. Hannah has yet to be identified.

Markings"HANNAH WILSON 1739"
ProvenancePurchased from a New York antiques dealer in 1967; no further provenance.