Greek Island Embroideries

Vibrantly colored and meticulously crafted, the domestic textiles on view in Greek Island Embroideries reflect the influences of cultures from across the Mediterranean. Located at a maritime crossroads between the Ottoman Empire and Europe, people of the Greek islands were exposed to artistic traditions from both the Near East and the West. Textile embroiderers, in particular, adapted a diverse array of patterns and motifs in their art.

Though inspiration was drawn from faraway societies, the embroidered textiles on display, made of linen and cotton, were created for the home and withstood daily use and laundering. Nonetheless, their interwoven silks, golds, and silvers spoke to the wealth and prosperity of a household, and to the skills of the embroiderer. Needlework traditions declined during the 19th century as the old crafts gave way to the increasing dominance of Western manufactured goods. The exhibition celebrates embroideries made between the 17th and 19th centuries and shines a spotlight on the lives of its female creators.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website