Needlework Picture of Sailing Ship by Unknown Maker

Date1865-1900

MediumWool, twine, and six glass beads on linen in a fruitwood frame with a gilt liner

DimensionsOverall (Unframed H x W): 13 1/4 x 17in. (33.7 x 43.2cm) Overall (Framed H x W): 17 3/4 x 21 1/2in. (45.1 x 54.6cm)

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family

Object number1979.601.8

DescriptionThis woolie, an embroidered picture of a ship usually sewn by sailors, features a three-masted sailing ship with ten gun ports. A crystal bead adorns each gun port, a feature that is common but not the norm. A flag flies aft, consisting of a white field with a red cross with the Union Jack in the upper left quadrant.

The ship is a full-rigged ship with fifteen sails flying and a banner waving from the main mast; all sails are shown flying, and the square sails are undivided. The ship has three jibs, one spanker, and no stay sails. There is no visible quarter deck.

The ship is shown floating in waves, depicted as crescents using multiple shades of the thread. The see behind in the ship is much calmer, with waves placed only sporadically, shown as areas of white within the solid blue. The sun is shown as a blue outline in the white sky, simulating a view seen through fog.

The needlework picture is in a fruitwood frame with a one-inch gilt liner.

STITCHES: satin
Label TextTraditionally, woolies are believed to have been made by British Naval sailors while aboard ships. However, the skill and detail involved in these pieces indicate that they must have been made on land. Like many ships shown in woolies, this full-rigged ship bears no identifying mark save for the British flag at its stern.
MarkingsOld Print Shop label on back
ProvenancePurchased through Stair & Andrew, from the Royal School of Needlework, London, in May 1936, for use in Bassett Hall, the Williamsburg home of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Jr. Given to C.W.F. in 1979.