Needlework Picture

Description

This needlework picture depicts the story of Roman matron Cornelia. A standing woman, Cornelia, opens her arms to indicate her three children to a sitting woman with a necklace in her hands. Cornelia was allegedly asked to display her own treasures to compare with her visitor's fine jewelry. Cornelia delayed until her sons arrived home, then indicated them and said "These are my treasures." This version of the tale is based on and engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi after a painting by Angelica Kauffman, but turned into an interior scene with bookshelves and a yellow and green floor. The faces, arms and legs and background are painted.