Objets d'Art

English Embroidered Picture

Period

ca. 1600

Material

wool and silk on linnen; oyster veneer frame

Sizes

(height) 18.00cm. (Length) 39.00cm.

Description

An embroidered representation of a reading woman in a landscape. The crucifix, goblet and skull make it plausible that this is Mary Magdalen. The salamander is a personification of fire; here the representation of the zeal with which she pursued the good after her repentance. The image of a meditating Mary Magdalen stems from the Legenda Aurea, a compilation of hagiographies dating from about 1264 by Jacopo de Voragine (ca. 1230- ca. 1298).

The embroidery in wool and linnen is performed in a variety of stitches, that give this work a wonderfull three-dimensional look. The colours are very well preserved and still look very intense and vibrant.