Curtain Fragment

late 17th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This fragmentary embroidery was likely the bottom edge of a bed curtain or a hanging. Two other complete curtains survive in British collections, and these three pieces must have been part of one set. The lively hunting scene is derived from the same pattern source as the Indian embroidered curtain adjacent and the corresponding chintz versions. However, this British-made version, with its densely packed three-dimensional knot stitches, is technically much closer to other examples of English needlework from the second half of the seventeenth century. Nevertheless, the turbaned hunters and the Chinese-style rockery are not typically found in traditional English pastoral embroideries.

Artwork Details

Overview

Title: Curtain Fragment
Date: late 17th century
Culture: England or Scotland
Medium: Fustian embroidered with wool
Dimensions: 55.1 x 26 in (140 x 66 cm)
Credit Line: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Elizabeth Day McCormick Collection
Curatorial Department: The American Wing