Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
(England)
Purse (early 17th century)
linen, silk (thread, lining), gilt-metal (thread), seed pearls
40.0 × 13.6 × 1.8 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1970
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Where possible, the image must be reproduced in full (no cropping or over-printing). If you wish to use a detail of the work, a full reproduction of the work must also be reproduced elsewhere in the publication.
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About this work
This small square purse is typical of bags of the period, sometimes described as ‘sweet bags’ because they held sweet powders to scent clothes and linen. A single plant laden with flowers and leaves fills the surface. These tent-stitched flowers contrast with the background which is worked extravagantly in expensive silver thread using Gobelin stitch. The once-bright gold and silver stems are worked in a variety of plaited braid stitches. One solitary sequin remains, presumably the sole survivor of many others which would have made this bag even more luxurious and glittering.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
(England)
Inscription
none
Accession Number
D59-1970
Department
International Fashion and Textiles
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest
Physical description
A small square purse, or sweete bag, linen ground embroidered with a design of Tudor roses, leaves and coiling stems in coloured silks, gold and silver metallic thread. Linen cord.