Selwyn Image (1849 - 1930) and the Royal School of Art Needlework

woollen embroidery on linen, depicting the goddess against a stylised foliate ground, mounted

Barbara Morris, Victorian Embroidery, An Authoritative Guide, Mineola, New York, 2003, pl. 56, p. 137

The colour is sandy yellow with brown and green embroidery, unlike the terra cotta palette suggested by the catalogue illustration. Numerous minute holes and tears to linen, which is extensively discoloured, particularly in a band just below Venus's right hand as visible in the catalogue illustration. Embroidery threads are broken in a number of places. One edge with brown staining. Stretched and mounted with linen backing. Nevertheless an impressive piece, which has great presence when hung.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This design is also illustrated in L. Higgin, Handbook of Embroidery, London, 1880 (see right).