Picture (Needlework)
1666
Medium
Embroidered; raised work
Dimensions
29.3 × 40.7 cm (11 1/2 × 16 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31315
Art Historical Context
Step into the intricate world of 17th needlework with this captivating *Picture (Needlework)* from 1666, now housed in the Art Institute Chicago's Textiles Department. Measuring a modest 29.3 × 40.7 cm (11 1/2 × 16 in.), this embroidered textile exemplifies the artistry of an unknown creator, likely a skilled embroiderer from England or Europe during the Restoration era. Created at a time when elaborate domestic crafts flourished amid post-Civil War prosperity, it reflects the era's emphasis on fine handiwork as both a practical skill and a form of personal expression. The standout feature is...
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...