Old Woman
Original title: Old Woman
kurzbeschreibung
The Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory in Saint Petersburg, known for its wall hangings, made this embroidery in wool and metal thread in the late 18th century. It shows an elderly seated woman in a headscarf and coat, facing the viewer directly.
Description
An old woman sits on a chair and looks straight at the viewer. A headscarf and a dark coat wrap around her, and her hands are folded in her lap. A plain dark background makes the figure stand out clearly. The image appears in black and white, suggesting a reproduction or a graphic model. The richly decorated frame bears the name “Rembrandt” at the top.
Context
Founded in Saint Petersburg in 1716, the Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory became known for high-quality wall hangings. In the late 18th century it also produced embroideries after famous paintings, often intended for the imperial court. The word “Rembrandt” on the frame points to a model after Rembrandt van Rijn, as was common at the time for reproducing well-known masterpieces.
Impact
The pared-down dark surroundings and the woman’s direct gaze give the picture a calm, collected mood. Through the fine embroidery, the portrait gains a textural depth that underlines the dignity of the sitter.
Technique
Worked in wool and metal thread, the piece has a density of 20 to 25 warps per inch (8 to 10 per centimetre). This close sett of threads allowed a detailed rendering of the portrait that resembles a painting.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)