Needlepoint Firescreen c. late 19th century

This needlepoint firescreen, by an anonymous artist, is rich with symbols that offer us a glimpse into the cultural and historical context of its creation. Firescreens like this were typically made by women in the 18th and 19th centuries and were used to shield their faces from the heat of the fire. But they were also opportunities to display needlework skills and communicate allegiances through symbolism. The inclusion of national flags and heraldic symbols suggests that the artist’s identity, or the identity of the patron, was closely tied to both Denmark and Britain. The flowers may represent virtue or domesticity. The heraldic imagery might also suggest a connection to aristocracy or monarchy. The firescreen provides a tangible connection to the lives and identities of those who created and used it.