Unknown Artist
Rebecca at the Well
1794-1804
Scroll
Unknown Artist
Rebecca at the Well
1794-1804
Physical Qualities
Silk ground, wool or wool and silk embroidery threads, 8 3/4 x 7 in. (22.2 x 17.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Alexander Baer, Baltimore
Object Number
2020.1
A small rectangular embroidery which appears to depict a Biblical story, specifically, the Old Testament story of "Rebecca at the Well" and the the moment at which Abraham's servant Eleazer (?) tells Rebecca, who has given water to him and his camel, that he has chosen her to be the bride of his master's son, Isaac. Rebecca appears surprised. Eleazer offers her a necklace (?) or some token that he holds in his hands to indicate his choice. Two camels are seen to the right within the trees and bushes of the background-- one drinking {logically from a well or water hole though not clearly portrayed. ]
The embroidery is worked in wools [confirm with microscopic i.e.] of numerous colors, including violet red, rose, pink various greens, oranges, yellow, cream, and blues. Stitches include slightly looped and satin stitches with possibly a few knotted stitches. The face, hands, feet, and sandals of the figures are painted in as is the sky in the background. The trees, foliage, and landscape in the distance are worked in threads as is the foreground.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2020; Alexander Baer, Baltimore, MD by purchase, c. 2001; Alex Cooper Auction, Towson, MD
Maker
Unknown Artist
2000-01-01 00:00:00–2000-01-01 00:00:00
