The Story of Samuel

Unknown

mid-17th century · Linen canvas worked with silk and metal thread, seed pearls; tent, couching, and straight stitch · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The central scene of this panel depicts Elkanah with his wives, Penninah and Hannah-the older of the two and mother to the prophet Samuel. The now faint inscription "XI" on the doorway lintel of the house in the background refers to Samuel 1:11 in which Hannah prays for a male child.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-17th century

Medium

Linen canvas worked with silk and metal thread, seed pearls; tent, couching, and straight stitch

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, Mrs. Thomas J. Watson Gift, 1939