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Purse

early 17th century
Not on view
Small decorative purses and bags such as this one rarely appear in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century portraits, but they have survived in relatively large numbers. This example, with its lively pattern of flowers, birds, and butterflies, was executed with a generous amount of gold and silver metal thread of very high quality, worked with polychrome silk threads to create subtly shaded colors.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Purse
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Canvas worked with silk and metal thread, glass beads, spangles; Gobelin, tent, and detached buttonhole stitches; silk cord and silk and metal thread tassels
  • Dimensions: Overall (excluding tassels and draw cord): 5 1/8 x 5 1/8 in. (13 x 13 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, by exchange, 1929
  • Object Number: 29.23.15
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Audio

Cover Image for 405. Embroidery and Craftsmanship

405. Embroidery and Craftsmanship

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