Cabinet with scenes from the Life of Joseph

British

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 509

Exemplary work




Well-educated women were encouraged to complete needlework panels, like the ones seen on this cabinet, using professionally assembled kits as a form of so-called useful recreation. The scenes are based on stories from scripture and the Bible and were intended to serve as instructional examples of ideal moral behavior. The box itself opens to reveal writing instruments, mirrors, scent bottles, and trays and drawers for personal effects.

Cabinet with scenes from the Life of Joseph, Linen worked with silk thread; laid work, split, knot, satin and sheaf stitches; metal thread trim; wood frame; silk lining; turned wood feet, British

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