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Not currently on display at the V&A

Picture

c.1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In subject matter this picture is a pleasing but typical example of English domestic embroidery from the beginning of the 17th century, including randomly scattered animals, birds and insects with flowers around a central decorative fountain. It is unusual because its background is worked entirely in stiches of silver thread, a rare and extravagant use of material which suggests it was made for or owned by an affluent household.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Embroidered in metal thread and silks, in tent stitch with raised details
Brief description
Fountain with birds and animals, embroidered in coloured silks and silver thread, England, c.1600
Physical description
Picture, embroidered mostly in tent stitch on linen canvas, in coloured silks and silver thread. The central motif of a fountain is surrounded by animals, birds and insects; these include a lion, camel, deer with hunter and dog chasing, and owl on top of the fountain. The figures are worked in coloured silks, now faded. The background is worked in silver thread. The fountain is embroidered with raised details worked with different types of metal thread, including strip and purl.
Dimensions
  • Maximum height: 29cm
  • Maximum width: 22.5cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Dr Joan Stephen
Subjects depicted
Summary
In subject matter this picture is a pleasing but typical example of English domestic embroidery from the beginning of the 17th century, including randomly scattered animals, birds and insects with flowers around a central decorative fountain. It is unusual because its background is worked entirely in stiches of silver thread, a rare and extravagant use of material which suggests it was made for or owned by an affluent household.
Collection
Accession number
T.28-2015

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Record createdNovember 6, 2014
Record URL
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