Crewel Embroidery for Table 1941

Edith Magnette made this Crewel Embroidery for a Table, and it's just lovely; what a patient and focused process. The background is a muted beige, giving the whole thing a vintage feel, like you found it tucked away in an attic. The circle of flowers is so delicate, each bloom and leaf painstakingly crafted with different colored threads. Look closely, and you'll see the slight variations in texture, the raised surfaces where the stitches overlap. The color palette is soft, mostly muted pinks, blues, and greens, with touches of bolder reds and yellows that pop. My eye is drawn to the lower left quadrant, with its cluster of pink and white flowers. They seem to burst forth from the muted ground. The embroidery is so well done, it feels like you could reach out and touch the petals. This reminds me a little of some of the botanical studies by Maria Merian, but with a much more homespun touch. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful example of how everyday objects can become works of art.