Mirror with Raised-Work Embroidery

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

CultureEnglish

Titles

Mirror with Raised-Work Embroidery

Datemid- 17th–17th century

Made inEngland

MediumBeads, metallic purl, lace, silk, linen, wood, and mirror glass

Dimensions26 1/2 × 22 5/8 in. (67.3 × 57.5 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.57.96

Not on view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

TEXTILES

DescriptionThe imagery appears to be the four elements: earth, air, water and fire. At the top of the mirror a woman is seated with a bird on her hand, surrounded by clouds. At the bottom of the mirror is another seated woman, with a trident in one hand and a fish in the other. Next to her is a fountain. These two images probably represent air and water. There are standing women on either long side of the mirror glass, with one holding sheaves of wheat, probably representing earth. The standing woman on the left presents a mystery, as it was not immediately obvious what object she was holding. The figure looks like it could be holding a torch to represent fire.
Provenance[Ginsburg & Levy, New York]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, 1957; given to MFAH.
Exhibition History

Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

[no inscriptions]

[no marks]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.