Jean Dupas and Macy's
Needlework Picture
1937
Scroll
Physical Qualities
Wool and cotton or silk embroidery threads, probably on a linen ground, 15 7/8 x 12 3/8 in. (40.3 x 31.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Michael and Anis Merson, Baltimore, MD.
Object Number
2009.210
Rectangular needlework picture featuring the shoulder length portrait of a young woman with long blond hair, posed with her right hand holding a piece of fruit and the moon to her left. Exotic fruits and flowers surround her. The style is "moderne" later known as Art Deco, after French designer Jean Dupas. The face and floral designs are highly stylized rather than realistic. The embroidery is worked primarily in multicolored wool and cotton or silk threads using tent stitch. With stem or outline stitch used sparingly around the eyes/eyelashes, hand, part in hair. Colors are generally muted and include gold, rusty brown, medium brown, cream, light brown, dull orange, brick red, red-orange, grey-green, dull purple, deep purple, dull lavender, rose red, dark pink, pink, mixed gold, taupe, rose, beige, dark mauve or red-violet, charcoal grey, light grey-green, peach or coral, greyish-brown and black on a linen (?) canvas ground. The embroidery has been matted with a 1/2" of cream colored fabric showing and framed in a wooden frame with slightly rounded 3" wide members.
Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2009; Michael Merson, Baltimore, MD by purchase, c. 1974; New York Art Deco Dealer.
Macy's, Herald Square, New York City, 1939. Exhibition to promote use of Hiawatha Woolen Products. Per appraiser letter, 8-19-2009.
House Beautiful, 1939.
Inscribed: Verso: stamped center, BE, "INGLETT-WATSON/2918 M STREET, N.W./WASHINGTON, D.C. 20007" and label, center TE, "R. H. Mary & Co./ Inc. /New ...ork"