Annunciation and the Birth of Christ from the Winterthur Collection

Description An early 1800’s needlework adapted to needlepoint from the Decorative American Arts collection in the Winterthur Museum.   This needlework picture was made from an applique quilt center. The picture depicts the Annunciation and the birth of Christ through polychrome applique patterns cut from printed, plain and checked fabrics on a white cotton ground. There is a sawtooth border on three sides. Across the top a shepherd drives his flock of sheep and the wise men journey along a palm-lined road. Between the two groups is a central, small exotic building beneath which is a semicircular needlework verse in script and printed letters: “Glory to God in the Highest Peace on Earth and good will to Men/Hallelujah”. Underneath the verse is a group of winged angel busts. The bottom half of the picture depicts an inn and out-buildings flanked by two exotic trees. On the other side of the central tree is a manger with animals and the Holy Family, which is flanked on the outside by another exotic tree. Some of the individual elements of the design are accented with embroidery and several of the animals and figures are padded. This needlework picture was made by Sarah Furman Warner Williams. The Biblical scenes reflect the fact that the Bible was the most widely read book in early America. The two level narrative is akin to the plate-printed furnishing cottons that were fashionable in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Measures 14″ x 14″ on 14, 16 or 18 mesh mono deluxe needlepoint canvas.  We are partial to wool threads, but will be happy to select and add appropriate colors of wool or silk threads to complete.  Please indicate your mesh preference in the notes section at checkout.  If you do not provide a preference, we will send the 14 count.  Please contact us if you would like for us to add your choice of fibers. Available in alternate larger sizes.