Cabinet with scenes from the Life of Joseph

third quarter 17th century

Not on view

Exemplary work

Well-educated women were encouraged to complete needlework panels, like the ones seen on this cabinet, using professionally assembled kits as a form of so-called useful recreation. The scenes are based on stories from scripture and the Bible and were intended to serve as instructional examples of ideal moral behavior. The box itself opens to reveal writing instruments, mirrors, scent bottles, and trays and drawers for personal effects.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Cabinet with scenes from the Life of Joseph
Date: third quarter 17th century
Culture: British
Medium: Linen worked with silk thread; laid work, split, knot, satin and sheaf stitches; metal thread trim; wood frame; silk lining; turned wood feet
Dimensions: Overall: 13 3/4 × 11 1/2 × 8 in. (34.9 × 29.2 × 20.3 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
Credit Line: Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 1939
Object Number: 39.13.3a–k
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Gamba Bow, Wood, British — Gamba Bow
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Cabinet with scenes from the Story of Esther, Wood; silk satin worked with silk, metal threads (metal strip wrapped silk, silk-wrapped coiled wire, wire) linen thread, seed pearls, mica, feathers; detached buttonhole, buttonhole filling variations; French knot, single knot, laid work, couching, satin, and stem stitches; metal thread trim (metal strip wrapped on silk core; metal strip) wood frame; silk lining; mirror glass, glass bottles; printed paper, British — Cabinet with scenes from the Story of Esther
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after 1665

Alto Recorder, Joseph Bradbury British, Wood, ivory, British — Alto Recorder
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Cabinet with personifications of the Five Senses, Satin worked with silk and metal thread, purl, chenille, seed pearls, coral beads, and mica; tent, knots, rococo, satin, couching, and detached buttonhole stitches; woven metal thread trim; silk and paper lining; wood frame; turned wooden feet, British — Cabinet with personifications of the Five Senses
British
third quarter 17th century

"Royal George" Cello, William Forster British, Spruce, maple, ebony, British — "Royal George" Cello
William Forster
1782

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