Twelve Quilts of Christmas 2015 – #4
Branches and Vine Quilt, made by Ernestine Eberhardt Zaumseil (American), Pekin, Illinois, c. 1865
Cotton ground appliqued with cotton, silk and wool; 88 × 86 in. (223.5 × 218.4 cm)
Collection The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of George E. Schoellkopf, 2013 (2013.958)
Based on the Tree of Life pattern this is an exuberant example of creativity. It is thought that she traced actual leaves and vines for her designs. The variety of leaves and shades of green add greatly to the success of this quilt.
I love the details of the wee berries and small horses in the lower third of the design. The curlicue tendrils not the central grapevine make my heart skip a beat! In the upper left corner she added a tiny bit of leaf detail in the middle of the loop … adorable!
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Such a beautiful quilt!! I’m so glad that you pointed out the little details. I love all the different types of leaves, the details of the tendrils and the little tiny horses! I wouldn’t have known to look for the little horses, they are so tiny! Thanks again for sharing!
You are so welcome Colette. I am so glad that there are others out there who are interested too and that I get to share this with.
This beautiful quilt almost looks contemporary to me! Also a big thanks for sharing these quilts and their history with us.
You are very welcome Laurie. I had soooo much fun.
What incredible detail! And I love how the branches taper so gracefully. What a stunning quilt!
I know, the detail, right! It is the realism of all the different types of branches and leaves that stagger me.