Pair of Needlework Bed Hangings in the Bizarre Style
Unknown Artist
1710–20
Medium
Silk, wool: needlework, tent and cross-stitch embroidery on canvas
Dimensions
w. 82.5 cm, l. 279.3 cm
Classification
Embroidery
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund
Accession Number
2006.2
About this artwork
These panels would have hung originally around a bed post as part of a full set of hangings on a bedstead in the early 1700's. Elaborate textile hangings were a conspicuous display of wealth since many ladies received their friends within their bedchamber. A full set enveloped the entire bedstead and, when closed, helped retain warmth long after the fire had gone out. This particular pair of panels is remarkable in that they represent many hours of highly skilled needlework. Their design is know...