Irises panel

Candace Wheeler|Cheney Brothers|Associated Artists

1883 · Silk embroidered with silk and metallic-wrapped cotton threads, metal sequins, and cut-glass beads · The American Wing

Candace Wheeler (1827-1923) designed this lavishly embroidered textile panel soon after she dissolved her partnership with Tiffany, in order to publicize the type of art needlework made by her own new firm, Associated Artists. The panel was one of about a dozen large embroideries by members of the firm that were showcased at the exhibition held in December 1883 to raise money to build a pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. Originally incorporated into a larger portiere, the piece is today much faded and light-damaged. In reviews of the exhibition it was described as a work in “soft tones of dull purple fading to dull pink.” The embroidery was surrounded by a broad band of gold braid set with glass jewels imitating amethyst and topaz, which had disappeared by the time the piece came to the Museum in 1928.

Artist

Candace Wheeler|Cheney Brothers|Associated Artists

Date

1883

Medium

Silk embroidered with silk and metallic-wrapped cotton threads, metal sequins, and cut-glass beads

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of the family of Mrs. Candace Wheeler, 1928