Purse with scenes from the story of Patient Griselda

Unknown

14th century · Silk and metal thread on canvas · Medieval Art

This embroidered scene depicts the popular medieval tale of Griselda, a poor maiden who was tested long and cruelly by her noble husband and thus exemplifies ideal Christian patience. The story appeared in various forms, the best known of which is "The Clerk’s Tale" in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The needlework may have been made professionally, or by its owner, inasmuch as needlework was considered an essential part of a woman’s education.

Artist

Unknown

Date

14th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread on canvas

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, 1927