Valances
EmbroidererAttributed to
Prudence Geer
(American, 1735 - 1822)
Dateabout 1770
MediumHand-stitched embroidery; crewel wool on plain-woven linen
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of .d): 10 5/8 x 56 1/4in. (27 x 142.9cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of .e): 10 5/8 x 79in. (27 x 200.7cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of .f): 10 7/8 x 78 1/2in. (27.6 x 199.4cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Newton C. Brainard
Object number1962.28.2d-f
DescriptionGroup of three valances, part of a set of bed hangings consisting of two bedcurtains (.a, .b), a headcloth (.c), three valances (.d-.f), a pillowcase (.g) and a fragment (.h). The bedhangings are hand-stitched with crewel, or two-ply worsted wool, on a plain-woven linen ground. The wool on these bedhangings is in many colors, including red, pink, dark medium and light blue, blue-green, light green, dark green, gold, yellow, tan, and cream. The bedcurtains and valances are decorated with large and small birds, undulating vines, leaves and flowers.
The shortest of the three valances (.d) has a large bird in the center which is flanked by a nearly symmetrical undulating vine with brightly colored leaves and flowers. A small bird is stitched beneath the vine near each end of the short valance. Each longer valance (.e, .f) has a large fanciful flower in the center flanked by a nearly symmetrical undulating vine with brightly colored leaves and flowers. Each longer valance also has a bird at each side. The longer valances are not identical, but share the same composition and design elements. One longer valance (.e) has a pair of small birds separated by a winged insect below the central flower.
The short valance (.d) is constructed of three panels of linen that were hand-stitched together prior to the embroidery; the third panel is just a short strip of linen at the right side. Each long valance (.e, .f) is also constructed of three panels of linen that were hand-stitched together prior to embroidery. Each of the three valances has a 3/16-inch double-turned hem on all four sides; portions of the crewel embroidered design are folded around the hem.
Stitches: The principal stitch on each valance (.d-.f) is outline; they also include encroaching satin, roumanian (oriental), long and short, darning, herringbone, bullion, buttonhole, daisy, long-armed cross, and rice.
Condition: Small areas of crewel wool are missing from scattered areas on each valance. Some of the wool has been abraded and has started to unravel. Each valance has been shortened and the bottom edge has been altered.
Valance (.d). There is a small hole in the ground above the lower left edge. There are two dark spots and some additional staining in the center and to the left of center.
Valance (.e). The valance has significant loss to the crewel wool at the right side. There is a light brown stain along the lower left edge.
Valance (.f). The valance has scattered light brown staining.
The shortest of the three valances (.d) has a large bird in the center which is flanked by a nearly symmetrical undulating vine with brightly colored leaves and flowers. A small bird is stitched beneath the vine near each end of the short valance. Each longer valance (.e, .f) has a large fanciful flower in the center flanked by a nearly symmetrical undulating vine with brightly colored leaves and flowers. Each longer valance also has a bird at each side. The longer valances are not identical, but share the same composition and design elements. One longer valance (.e) has a pair of small birds separated by a winged insect below the central flower.
The short valance (.d) is constructed of three panels of linen that were hand-stitched together prior to the embroidery; the third panel is just a short strip of linen at the right side. Each long valance (.e, .f) is also constructed of three panels of linen that were hand-stitched together prior to embroidery. Each of the three valances has a 3/16-inch double-turned hem on all four sides; portions of the crewel embroidered design are folded around the hem.
Stitches: The principal stitch on each valance (.d-.f) is outline; they also include encroaching satin, roumanian (oriental), long and short, darning, herringbone, bullion, buttonhole, daisy, long-armed cross, and rice.
Condition: Small areas of crewel wool are missing from scattered areas on each valance. Some of the wool has been abraded and has started to unravel. Each valance has been shortened and the bottom edge has been altered.
Valance (.d). There is a small hole in the ground above the lower left edge. There are two dark spots and some additional staining in the center and to the left of center.
Valance (.e). The valance has significant loss to the crewel wool at the right side. There is a light brown stain along the lower left edge.
Valance (.f). The valance has scattered light brown staining.
Status
Not on view
