Needlework Picture, Young Girl and her Teacher, by Unknown Maker

Dateca. 1800

MediumSilk threads and watercolor on silk backed with linen (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsActual: OH: 11 1/2" x OW: 10 1/4" Framed: OH: 13 7/8" x OW: 12 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. John H. Rock III in memory of her mother-in-law, Mrs. John H. Rock, Jr.

Object number1965.601.1

DescriptionThis oval needlework picture is worked in shades of pink, gold, green, blue, brown, black, and white silk embroidery threads. The composition centers on two women seated in a landscape. An older woman sits to righthand side; she wears a white scarf over her head, a gold shawl, a blue bodice, and a brown skirt. She reads from a book, holding her glasses in her (anatomical) left hand. A young girl with curly brown hair sits with her eyes closed in front of the table, her hands clasped in her lap. The chair on which she is seated has arms and one is visible behind her. She wears a necklace and a white/pink gown. Behind the two women are various plants, including gold and blue/silver flowers and green foliage. Painted elements include the glasses held by the older woman, the skin of both figures, and the sky; the rest of the picture is needlework.
The white pine frame, yellow poplar backboard, and linen backing are original to the piece.

Stitches: fern, outline, satin
Label TextSilk embroidered pictures, like this one, were schoolgirl exercises. The subject matter for this stitched scene was probably based on an English print source.
ProvenanceMrs. John H. Rock III. This picture was given to Mrs. Rock's mother-in-law by a friend who bought it at an aucion.