Terms and conditions of use
THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF ART NEEDLEWORK, London (manufacturer), William MORRIS (designer), Edward BURNE-JONES (designer)
Poesis
(c. 1880)
Medium
wool, cotton
Measurements
204.0 × 103.7 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of Miss Flora MacDonald Anderson and Mrs Ethel Elizabeth Ogilvy Lumsden, Founder Benefactors, 1992
Gallery location
Not on display
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
England
Accession Number
CT1-1992
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
The framed Poesis embroidery is worked in polychromatic wools, on a cotton ground using long and short stitches. The work depicts the allegorical figure Poesis in classical garb, enthroned and holding an open book and quill. Behind the figure the background is decorated with willow bough. The bottom half of the work depicts Orpheus playing his harp and followed by a group of men. On the right side the eight muses also in classical dress appear at the base of the throne.