Curtains
EmbroidererAttributed to
Mary Augusta Young
(American, 1892 - 1979)
Dateabout 1969
MediumHand-stitched embroidery; crewel wool on plain-woven linen
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of .1): 62 1/2 x 40in. (158.8 x 101.6cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of .2): 61 1/2 x 39in. (156.2 x 99.1cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of .3): 61 1/2 x 39in. (156.2 x 99.1cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of .4): 62 x 39 1/2in. (157.5 x 100.3cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mrs. John A. Allen
Object number2005.178.1-.4
DescriptionGroup of four curtains each hand-stitched with crewel, or two-ply worsted wool, on a plain-woven linen ground. The wool on the curtains is in many bright colors including dark medium and light green, red, medium and light pink, salmon, brown, blue, dark and medium grey, dark medium and light purple, mustard, yellow, and black. Each of the curtains is decorated with different and specific birds, flowers, and animals; these include a frog (.1), an owl (.2), a robin (.2), a turtle (.2), a worm (.2), a quail (.3), a skunk with eggs (.3), a heron (.4), and ducks (.1 and 4). These are flanked by a vertical column of ivy, consisting of green and brown leaves on an undulating vine. The bottom of one curtain (.3) is embroidered with the initials "AYS" and date "1969".
Each curtain is constructed of a single panel of plain-woven linen with a 1 1/2-inch-wide hem at all four edges. The curtains were originally lined (now missing). Two of the curtains (.3 and .4) are lined with a linen panel at the back; the panel is machine-stitched to the top edge of each curtain (later addition).
Stitches: The principal stitch on the curtains is outline; it also includes long and short, satin, roumanian (oriental), couching, seed, buttonhole, daisy, and french knot.
Condition: The curtains have scattered light staining and discoloration of the ground. Curtains .2 and .3 have some light brown water stains at the bottom. Curtain .1 has many small holes in the ground near the lower right edge. The hem at the top edge of curtains .1 and .2 have been partially unstitched and altered. Curtains .3 and .4 have a linen panel stitched to the back.
Each curtain is constructed of a single panel of plain-woven linen with a 1 1/2-inch-wide hem at all four edges. The curtains were originally lined (now missing). Two of the curtains (.3 and .4) are lined with a linen panel at the back; the panel is machine-stitched to the top edge of each curtain (later addition).
Stitches: The principal stitch on the curtains is outline; it also includes long and short, satin, roumanian (oriental), couching, seed, buttonhole, daisy, and french knot.
Condition: The curtains have scattered light staining and discoloration of the ground. Curtains .2 and .3 have some light brown water stains at the bottom. Curtain .1 has many small holes in the ground near the lower right edge. The hem at the top edge of curtains .1 and .2 have been partially unstitched and altered. Curtains .3 and .4 have a linen panel stitched to the back.
Status
Not on view
