Needlework of a Chicken and Chicks in a water gilt frame

Needlework of a Chicken and Chicks in a Water Gilt Frame — Paintings

This charming Victorian woolwork painting captures a quintessential pastoral scene, with a proud chicken in profile surrounded by her playful chicks. Beautifully rendered in polychrome threads, the piece exudes the warmth and homeliness of late 19th-century English decorative arts.

Origin: England

Date: Circa 1880

Material: Woolwork with eglomise decorated glass in a period giltwood frame

Dimensions: Height (framed): 61 cm (24 in); Width: 91 cm (35.8 in)

Condition: Excellent original patina with only minimal signs of age

Evocative of the Victorian era’s fascination with naturalism and domestic motifs, this needlework painting showcases both the technical expertise and sentimental spirit of its time. Similar examples can be seen in English country house collections and period exhibitions, where the integration of fine woolwork and decorative gilded frames is much admired. The use of eglomise glass adds a further touch of refinement, making the piece stand out among contemporary textile and needlepoint artworks.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite craftsmanship: Meticulously stitched in vibrant polychrome wool, expertly capturing lifelike expressions and textures.
• Decorative significance: Set in a period water giltwood frame with eglomise (reverse-painted) glass, enhancing both colour and lustre.
• Collectable appeal: 19th-century English needlework of this scale and subject is increasingly sought after by collectors for its rarity, originality, and decorative quality.
• Versatile display: Ideal as a focal point in a country house interior, a period-inspired room, or as part of a curated Victorian textile collection.

The design of this painting, with its gentle naturalism and balanced composition, reflects Victorian sensibilities and a love for rural life. Such needlework not only demonstrates the skill of its anonymous maker but also encapsulates a unique moment in British artistic history. This piece stands as a testament to English craftsmanship and would make a superb addition to any serious collection of paintings or to those passionate about the art of 19th-century woolwork.