An English needlework picture, circa 1680-1710

‘The Sacrifice of Isaac’

Finely worked in silk in tent stitch, brick stitch, French knots and single knotted stitch with a charmingly naïve treatment of the story given in Genesis, chapter 22. The depiction ultimately derives from works by Maerten de Vos and Hans Bol that were later reproduced by engravers such as Crispijn van de Passe and Adriaen Collaert (the latter published in the Thesaurus Sacrarum of 1585 by Gerard de Jode, a fertile source of images for embroidery throughout the course of the 17th and early 18th centuries), but has been very much made the needleworker’s own, with the central scene surrounded by characterful animals and an intently watching sun.

The needlework 26.9cm (10⅝”) high and 32.4cm (12¾”) wide.

Framed behind glass, the frame 32.5cm (12¾”) high and 37.9cm (14⅞”) wide.

Needlework 17th century English picture Sacrifice of Isaac 2.jpg
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