Needlework Picture
EmbroidererAttributed to
Frances Ann Brace
American, 1808 - 1838
TeacherTaught by
Sarah Pierce
American, 1767 - 1852
Date1821-1824
MediumEmbroidery; silk thread and metallic thread on a plain-woven silk ground; glass, wood, gold paint
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 23 3/4 x 22in. (60.3 x 55.9cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mary W. Edwards
DescriptionNeedlework picture worked in green, blue-green, dark medium and light blue, tan, cream, pink, and red silk threads with gold metallic thread on a plain-woven cream-colored silk ground using a satin stitch and other stitches. The center of the picture shows a small, shallow beehive on a small hill. Above the beehive are bows and swagged ribbon embroidered with metallic thread. Below the beehive is a floral vine that curves up to meet the ribbon. The picture is behind glass (.c) that is painted black and gold at the edges; each corner has a gold painted star. The gilded wooden frame (.b, original) consists of several shallow moldings including a beaded molding.
Stitches: The primary stitch is satin stitch; it also includes long and short, encroaching satin, flat and outline.
Condition: The backing is replaced. The silk ground is scratched at the top center.
Stitches: The primary stitch is satin stitch; it also includes long and short, encroaching satin, flat and outline.
Condition: The backing is replaced. The silk ground is scratched at the top center.
Object number1984.42.1a-c
MarkingsNo original labels, but there is a Dennison label on the back. It reads "From/ Jonathan Brace family/ 1754-1837 / paternal great-great grandfather/ Helen Bunce Edwards."NotesHistorical Note: The embroiderer Francis Ann Brace attended Miss Pierce's school, in Litchfield, Connecticut from 1821 to 1824. The beehive on the needlework is the symbol of the Litchfield Female Academy, also known as Miss Pierce's School.Subject Terms
Collections
- Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840
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