Valance
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (possibly, made)
France (possibly, made)
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
Embroidered in silks and wools on linen
- Credit Line:
Bequeathed by Miss Maud Lilian Ochs
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
Temporary Exhibition, room 38
- Download image
Valances were the borders or bands that ran around the two sides and end of an Elizabethan bed, hiding the bed rail or the place from which the bed curtains were suspended. They formed a frieze that was particularly suitable for embroidery with figure subjects, often featuring a narrative to provide interest and entertainment. Sets of bed hangings also created a draught-free and private sleeping compartment.
The style and workmanship of this valance suggests that it was made in a professional workshop either in France itself or under strong French influence.
The setting is an ornamental garden with a mountainous skyline, a popular type of background for such scenes. and most of the figures wear rich contemporary court fashions. The main subject is a pair of seated lovers. They are attended by two women, one holding a mirror and possibly intended to represent Prudence, the other holding a small dog, possibly intended to represent Fidelity. One woman reads a partially legible French inscription, and a small black boy holds up a music score for the musicians on the right of the scene.
Physical description
Embroidered valance in silks and wools in tent stitch on linen, with details in stem stitch and couched work. In fine precision are well dressed figures in an outdoor setting. A little boy servant is holding music above his head for a trio of female musicians in fashionable French court dress who are playing a lute, flute and cello.
Although a partial inscription on the valance is in French, as French was the courtly language of the time this does not necessarily indicate a French origin for the piece.
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (possibly, made)
France (possibly, made)
Date
1570-1599 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Embroidered in silks and wools on linen
Dimensions
Height: 56 cm, Length: 218 cm, Length: 85 in, Height: 22.25 in
Object history note
Registered File number 1957/3032.
May be a partner to T.137-1991.
Formerly on loan to the museum, between 1957 and 1991.
Descriptive line
Embroidered valance in silks and wools on linen, possibly made in England or France, 1570-1599
Exhibition History
Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars (Victoria and Albert Museum)
The Golden Age of the English Court: From Henry VIII to Charles I (Moscow Kremlin Museums 24 Oct 2012-27 Jan 2013)
Labels and date
Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars label text:
Bed valances
1580–1600
Sets of bed hangings created an enclosed, private space within the bedrooms of palaces and grand houses. They were a focal point for luxurious decoration. The horizontal form of valances suited narratives that continued around the bed. These four valances show scenes of courtly life and stories from classical literature.
England, Scotland or France
Linen canvas, embroidered with wool and silk
V&A T.135, 136-1991. Bequeathed by Maud Ochs
V&A 879&A-1904
Materials
Silk thread; Wool yarn; Linen (material)
Techniques
Embroidered
Subjects depicted
Women; Boy; Animals; Musical instruments; Fountains; Servants
Categories
Textiles; Embroidery; Black History
Collection code
T&F
