Museum number
F233
Object
Embroidery: Charity beneath an arch, English, silk, metal threads, spangles on satin, about 1640
Description
This female figure wearing pseudo-classical dress, sitting on a rock formation beneath an arch, appears to represent Charity, the foremost of the three theological virtues, as she holds in one hand the traditional flaming heart. In her other hand she holds an olive branch which obviously has a peaceful significance.This fine white satin panel is worked in silk threads and a very large number of different types and combinations of silk and metal threads, sequins and beads. The arch is made up of laid and couched metal threads with coiling roses around and over it. The figure of Charity herself is worked in silk threads in split stitch with applied metal threads for the hair and the trimmings of her dress. Beneath the figure's feet, blue and white silk and uncoiled springs of wire form a pool. Over the whole panel are sprinkled sequins, each with a small coil of plate metal in the centre. Such is the high quality of this embroidery that it may even be professional work.
Materials
Silk
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Embroidery
Dimensions
framed: 26.6700cm (h) x 24.1300cm (l)
regular: 24.13cm (d) x 26.67cm (w)
Charity Seated Beneath an Arch English Silk, metallic threads, spangles and beads on a satin ground, about 1640 F233 Bequest of J. Murray Elgar, 1954 Seated under a bower, the figure of Charity holds a flaming heart in one hand and a martyrs’ palm in the other. The two palaces that flank the figure may represent the coming together of two houses, as in a betrothal or marriage. The Holburne Museum has a remarkable collection of embroidered pictures. Most were made by young, highly skilled amateur needlewomen in wealthy households although a few may be the work of professional embroiderers, who were usually men. Many of the embroideries incorporate raised work (or stumpwork), the technique of embroidering over padding in high relief. Their enduring appeal comes from the combination of exceptional craftsmanship with the naive charm of designs which often include outsized animals, birds and insects.

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