4459.
Linen Cradle-Coverlet; ground, fine white linen; pattern, the Crucifixion, with Saints and the Evangelists' emblems, all outlined in various-coloured silk-thread; dated 1590. German. 6 feet by 6 feet 6 inches.
This piece of needlework is figured with the Crucifixion in the
middle, and shows us, on one side, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St.
Christopher; on the other, St. John and the Blessed Virgin Mary
holding our Lord in her arms, and, at her feet, a youthful virgin-saint,
most likely St. Catherine of Sienna. From the cross itself flowers are
in some places sprouting out, and three angels are catching, in chalices,
the sacred blood that is gushing from the wounds on the body of our
Lord. At each corner is an evangelist's symbol, and the whole is
framed in a broad border in crimson and white silk, edged by crochet-work,
and at the corners are the letters A. H. A. R. Though the
figures are in mere outline they are well designed, but poorly, feebly
executed by the needle. Another specimen of a cradle-quilt, much
like this, is No. 1344, and under No. 4644 notice is taken of feeling for
the employment of the four Evangelists' symbols at the corners of this
nursery furniture.
4460.
Linen Napkin; embroidered at one end with two wreaths of flowers above a narrow floral border; it is edged with lace, and bears the date 1672, and the initials A. M. W. German, 3 feet 6 inches by 1 foot 6 inches.
Probably meant to hang in the sacristy for the priest to wipe his
fingers on after washing the tips of them, before vesting for mass.
