Large Antique Regency Silkwork Embroidery Depicting Rebecca At The Well

ANTIQUE ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR, SILK, WOOL AND METALLIC THREAD NEEDLEWORK EMBROIDERY PICTURE

A charming depiction of the Old Testament story of Rebecca at the well:

“Abraham wanted a wife for his son Isaac and sent his senior steward to his homeland of Mesopotamia to find a suitable woman. Tired after his long journey, the steward stopped at a well and prayed for guidance. When Rebecca came to get water, she offered it to the old man and his camels, and he recognized her as the appointed bride and presented her with the betrothal jewels of a gold earring and two bracelets.” (National Gallery of Art, Washington DC).

Unusually for a European biblical silkwork of this period, that almost always filtered biblical narratives through a Western European lens, depicting European characters in European landscapes, in this piece the artist has chosen to depict more realistic Middle Eastern faces, dress and landscapes. Furthermore, the camel attendant appears to be depicted as black. This is unusual and perhaps the answer comes from the fact the artist was acquainted with some similar old master depictions in oil and used those as inspiration for this work.

It is truly a mixed media artwork and the artist has expertly used different techniques to great effect. The faces hands and feet as well as the background are hand painted in watercolour on the silk backing fabric. The rest of the piece has been hand embroidered, mainly with silk thread but also wool in places with many different types of stitch specifically chosen to represent the qualities and characteristics of each item. Metallic gold thread has also been used in the piece to highlight certain elements.

There is a wonderfully folky feeling to the piece but is also an accomplished work and it is extremely decorative.

Probably dating from the early 19th century, late Georgian/Regency period. Circa 1800-1830.

Framed and glazed in its original, simple, deep-set parcel gilt and lacquered wooden frame.

Overall the work is in remarkably good condition for its age. So often with this type of silkwork there is significant damage due to their fragility but tis example survives really well. There is some wear present including a thin strip of discolouration along the top edge and some minor splits to the silk backing fabric but no serious issues. The frame is also in good order, with some wear commensurate with age.

The piece is larger than average for this type of embroidery; the approximate overall measurements are: 73cm x 62cm x 5cm.