The Diligent Needle The Diligent Needle
  • Home
    • Acknowledgements
  • Diligence
    • Specimens of Needlework
    • Sewing exercises
    • Darning sampler
    • Linen shirt
    • Handkerchief
    • Sampler
      • Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Hiester
    • Canvaswork picture
    • Whitework sampler
  • Profit
    • Quilted petticoat
    • Advertisements
    • Rebozo
    • Bedcover medallion
    • The Ascension of Christ
    • Mantle
    • Catalogue of Art Needlework of Quality
  • Pleasure
    • Bedcover center
    • Embroidered waistcoat
    • Embroidered bedcover
    • Hearth rug
    • Needlework picture
  • Ornament
    • Work bag
    • Petticoat border
    • Embroidered pockets
    • Canvaswork fire screen
    • Plush stitch cushion cover
    • Embroidered chair cover
    • Table cover
    • Crewelwork picture
      • Crewelwork placemats
  • Home
    • Acknowledgements
  • Diligence
    • Specimens of Needlework
    • Sewing exercises
    • Darning sampler
    • Linen shirt
    • Handkerchief
    • Sampler
      • Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Hiester
    • Canvaswork picture
    • Whitework sampler
  • Profit
    • Quilted petticoat
    • Advertisements
    • Rebozo
    • Bedcover medallion
    • The Ascension of Christ
    • Mantle
    • Catalogue of Art Needlework of Quality
  • Pleasure
    • Bedcover center
    • Embroidered waistcoat
    • Embroidered bedcover
    • Hearth rug
    • Needlework picture
  • Ornament
    • Work bag
    • Petticoat border
    • Embroidered pockets
    • Canvaswork fire screen
    • Plush stitch cushion cover
    • Embroidered chair cover
    • Table cover
    • Crewelwork picture
      • Crewelwork placemats

Needlework picture

Framed needlework picture of a still life with flowers, fruit and a butterfly.

In the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries, needlework pictures were generally worked by young women. When interest in fine needlework was revived in the late 19th century, however, it was usually more mature women who took up their needle to create beautiful pictures like this one, copied from a painting or print.

 

Needlework picture
Made in America or Great Britain; 1880‒1910
Wool and silk on canvas
1969.5468 Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Needlework has historically been central to a young woman’s education. The Diligent Needle: Instrument of Profit, Pleasure, and Ornament features the plain and fancy sewing of skilled women.

This exhibition was curated by Linda Eaton and was on view in the Winterthur Galleries from August 2014 to July 2015.

 

 

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