Purse
This embroidery illustrates either a popular story or a courtly pastime. A lady and gentleman stand beneath a tree; she cradles a small dog under her arm and he offers her a flower or ring. This scene is commonly represented on fourteenth-century ivory mirror backs. The bag may have been made by a professional embroiderer or by the woman who carried it, inasmuch as skill in fine needlework was considered essential for ladies.
Artwork Details
- Title: Purse
- Date: early 14th century
- Culture: French
- Medium: Silk, linen, gold leaf
- Dimensions: Overall: 5 1/2 x 6in. (14 x 15.2cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
- Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
- Object Number: 64.101.1364
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Jean de Liège
ca. 1381
French
ca. 1320–30
French
ca. 1350
North French
ca. 1340–60
French
ca. 1350
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