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Beaded Picture 1996.BH.461
Beadwork Picture of Large Dog by Unknown Maker
Beaded Picture 1996.BH.461

Beadwork Picture of Large Dog by Unknown Maker

Date1880-1900
OriginEngland
MediumGlass beads, cotton thread, linen canvas, ribbon, metal nails, wood, gilded wood (frame)
DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 8 1/8 x 12 1/8 x 5/8in. (20.6 x 30.8 x 1.6cm)
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 number1996.BH.461
DescriptionThis bead-embroidered picture is of a grey dog standing in front of a large tree and some bushes. Details in the dog are shown by using darker grey beads for line work, along with black and pink for the facial features and other details. The dog is very large in relation to its background; it has a curled tail and is groomed to have a mane. The background scenery is made with two shades of green, two shades of brown, yellow, and orange. Surrounding the design, the canvas is filled in with light blue and green beads, with seemingly no placement pattern in regard to color.

The beads are attached with thin, 2-ply cotton thread in a tent stitch. Several beads are missing, and magnification shows that virtually all the green beads in the filler ground are shattered, despite remaining intact.

The beads are stitched 18 beads-per-inch horizontally and 19 beads-per-inch vertically. The canvas is discolored underneath the dog, but there is no indication of the pattern being printed onto the canvas. The picture has been stretched onto a wooden frame, and the side edges were covered in a blue ribbon before being nailed to the frame.

While the picture is currently out of its frame, the frame is still present with the object. It is a relatively plain gilded wood frame with a shallow molding.

STITCHES: tent
Label TextAs Berlin wool work declined in the 1870s, beadwork took over in popularity. Beadwork could use the same or very similar patterns as Berlin work and was seen on everything from clothing to table runners. Decorative beadwork, as seen in this picture of a dog, was sewn to a canvas using cotton thread in a tent stitch. Abby purchased this piece from the Royal School of Needlework, where they sold antiques, reproductions executed by the Royal School, and Royal School originals.
ProvenancePossibly made at the Royal School of Needlework, London;
Purchased by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller through Stair & Andrew for use at Bassett Hall, May 27, 1936;
Given to CWF, 1979.