Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
(England)
Fragments of embroidery (early 17th century)
linen, silk (thread), metal (thread, spangles)
(a-b) 31.5 × 22.2 cm irreg.
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1913
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
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About this work
These two embroidered linen fragments survive from a larger work, most likely a loose-cut jacket or decorative flat cover. Featuring a dominant strapwork design worked in surface stitches using silver-gilt metal threads, scrolling curves terminate in finials with grotesque fish-like heads armed with sharp teeth. Amidst this runs a finer, secondary interlace decorated with honeysuckles, tulips, roses and strawberries, while further birds, caterpillars and butterflies enliven the overall design.
Close inspection shows the underlying inked design is visible where the embroidery threads are missing, suggesting it was marked out by a professional pattern drawer.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
(England)
Inscription
none
Accession Number
966.a-b-D2
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 pair of embroidered fragments in silk and gold metallic thread comprising seeding, French knots, satin stitch, chain stitch, coral knots around outlines of flowers and silver metallic spangles on linen ground. Pattern of roses, honeysuckle and other flowers, strawberries, birds, fish and insects. Possibly taken from a women’s jacket.