Joseph's Dream

Date1810

MediumWatercolor and needlework on satin

DimensionsSight: 20 3/4 × 27 5/8 in. (52.7 × 70.2 cm)

Object numberN0120.1961

Credit LineCollection of the Fenimore Art Museum. Gift of Stephen C. Clark

Photograph by John Bigelow Taylor, NYC

Label Text At age 13, Sophia Witherbe completed this needlework picture as part of her training at an all-female academy. Religious scenes, such as this of Joseph dreaming near a stream, were typical in schoolgirl art. These types of subjects reinforced religious education, while the needlework practice prepared girls for more 'practical' applications of the craft in the home. Written at the base of the object is "Genesis 37, v. 7. Behold we were binding sheaves in the field and lo, my sheaf arose, and stood upright and behold, four sheaves stood around about and made obeisance to my sheaf."

On View

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