Look closely—this work of art is made up of thousands of stitches. So-called raised work or “stumpwork” were often created by wealthy women beginning in 17th-century England and were common expressions of handicraft and talent. Most raised embroidered work were not free-handed and were completed using patterns of popular themes—often featuring female figures from histories and stories. This particular example shows Esther (ca. 480 BC), a biblical figure and a great woman who saved her people, the Israelites, from annihilation. While we do not know the identity of the creator of this work, she used her needle and thread to tell a powerful story.
Purchased by Doris Duke in 1960.
