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1968-156, Book
Bible with Needlework Cover
1968-156, Book

Bible with Needlework Cover

DateDated 1644 and 1645
Printer Robert Barker
OriginEngland, London
MediumWool and metal embroidery threads on linen canvas; paper (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOH 6 3/8" x OW 3 1/2" x OD 1 5/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1968-156
DescriptionThis is a bible with an embroidered cover worked in faded shades of blue, pink, yellow, green, brown, and cream wool and metallic embroidery threads on a linen ground. On the front cover is an image of a woman (Faith) holding a shield in her (anatomical) right hand and a book in her (anatomical) left hand. She wears a blue tunic over a pink petticoat and a yellow cape. A cloud sits above her head. She stands amidst a verdant landscape in front of a castle. Two flowers grow at her feet. The back cover depicts a similar image in reverse. On the back cover is an image of a woman holding a shield in her (anatomical) left hand and a book in her (anatomical) right hand. She wears a red tunic over a yellow/brown petticoat and a blue cape. A cloud sits above her head. She stands amidst a verdant landscape in front of a red house. Two flowers (one of which is potentially an iris) grows at her feet. The spine is divided into five sections containing (from top to bottom) a parrot, a rose, a lion, a tulip, and a sparrow.
The title page reads: THE HOLY BIBLE: Containing the Old TESTAMENT AND THE NEW: Newly translated out of the originall Tongues: and with the former translations diligently compared and revised: By His Majesties Command. LONDON: Printed by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty: and by the Assignes of John Rill. 1644.

Stitches: couching, counted slanted satin, stem, tent
Label TextThis bible cover depicts Fides, or Faith, one of the three theological virtues. She holds a Bible in one hand and the shield of faith in the other.
After 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. The cover for this Bible may have been created by Ann Thirkile: an inscription on the fly leaf reads: "Ann Thirkile, A Treasure for my Dear Jane."
InscribedThe title page reads: THE HOLY BIBLE: Containing the Old TESTAMENT AND THE NEW: Newly translated out of the originall Tongues: and with the former translations diligently compared and revised: By His Majesties Command. LONDON: Printed by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty: and by the Assignes of John Rill. 1644.
MarkingsCrown watermark on back flyleaf