Picture Depicting Ann and Sarah (Needlework)
early 19th century
Medium
Silk, plain weave; painted; embroidered with silk in satin and stem stitches; French knots
Dimensions
53 × 65.1 cm (20 7/8 × 25 5/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
61001
Art Historical Context
This exquisite needlework picture, created in the early 19th century, portrays two figures named Ann and Sarah through a delicate blend of painting and embroidery. Worked on silk plain weave with satin and stem stitches plus French knots, the piece measures just over 20 by 25 inches, suggesting it was intended as a cherished domestic treasure rather than a large-scale wall hanging. The unknown maker combined painted details with raised embroidery to bring depth and texture to the subjects’ clothing and features, a technique that highlights the patience and skill required for such intimate text...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...