Embroidered picture 1681

Mary E. Piriz created this embroidered picture, likely in the late 17th century, using silk on linen. Embroidery, in its essence, involves embellishing fabric with needle and thread, transforming a plain surface into a rich tapestry of images. In this piece, Piriz employed a variety of stitches to create a scene filled with figures, flora, and fauna, each rendered with meticulous detail. The work’s material presence is defined by the subtle sheen of silk threads and the texture of linen, lending a tactile quality to the composition. The process of embroidery is inherently time-consuming, reflecting a significant investment of labor and skill. In the 17th century, embroidery was often seen as a genteel pursuit for women of leisure, a means of demonstrating their refinement and domestic virtue. However, it also represented a form of creative expression. Understanding the amount of work involved, and the social context of its production, allows us to appreciate this embroidered picture not just as a decorative object, but as a testament to the artistic skill of Mary Piriz, and an important historical object.