An 18th century English needlework picture

Circa 1740-1750

Finely worked in tent stitch in silk and wool with a depiction of the meeting of Rebecca and Isaac, with Eliezer holding a parasol and, in the foreground, one of a flock of sheep drinking from the well. Behind Eliezer, Abraham’s camels are tended to while various other animals, including a peacock and parrots, are situated on the hillocky ground or in the oak trees at either side. A very similar depiction of the scene was sold at the auction of the property of the Duke & Duchess of Kent, at Christie’s, on March 18th 1947 (and again at Bonhams in 2004), and a variant, previously in the collection of Irwin Untermyer, is now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number: 1974.28.202).

The textile 45cm (17¾”) high and 43cm (17”) wide.

Framed behind glass, the frame 57.5cm (22⅝”) high and 55.5cm (21⅞”) wide.