Samplers and Tapestry Embroideries / Second Edition

The Project Gutenberg eBook, Samplers and Tapestry Embroideries, by Marcus Bourne Huish

Plate I.—Tapestry Embroidery. Henry VIII., Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth. The Corporation of Maidstone.
(Frontispiece.)
The very unusual piece of Embroidery reproduced as our Frontispiece may date from the Accession of Queen Elizabeth, in which case it is the earliest specimen of an embroidery picture that we have seen. It would appear to be the creation of some exultant Protestant rejoicing at the restoration of his religion, which to him is “Good tidings of great joy”; for his Queen holds the Bible open at this verse, and is ready to defend it with her sword. Edward VI. also upholds the Bible in his upraised hand, whilst Henry VIII. has one foot on the downtrodden Pope, and the other on his crown, which he has kicked from his head. Popery is portrayed in Mary with her Rosary and Papal-crowned Dragon. The presence of the Thistle raises a doubt as to its being of the Elizabethan age, but although this flower consorts with the Rose it also does so with a pansy, which deprives it of its value as an emblem of Scotland. The piece belongs to the Corporation of Maidstone.
SAMPLERS & TAPESTRY EMBROIDERIES
BY MARCUS B. HUISH, LL.B. Author of “Japan and its Art,” “Greek Terra Cotta Statuettes” “The American Pilgrim’s Way,” &c.
SECOND EDITION
WITH 24 COLOURED PLATES AND 77 ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT
LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON NEW YORK, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA 1913 All rights reserved
I have explained, in the chapter upon English Needlework with which this volume opens, the reasons which prompted me to take up the subject of Samplers and Tapestry Embroideries, and I have here only to thank the many who, since its first issue, have expressed their acknowledgment of the pleasure they have derived from it, and to record my gratification that it has induced some of them to start the study and collection of these interesting objects.