<b>Cover or wall hanging
1790</b>
This patchwork cover was made at home or in a tailor’s workshop. A variety of scenes celebrate military and cultural achievements, as well as everyday activities. The square second from the left on the top row shows a simplified balloon. This may refer to the first balloon flight in Prague, undertaken by French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard, although curiously Blanchard’s flight is recorded as taking place after the date embroidered on the cover.
Bohemia, now Czech Republic (Prague)
Wool patchwork, appliqué in wool and silk and embroidered
Embroidered in French ‘This piece was made in Prague 16 October 1790’
Given by Louis C.G. Clarke
<b>Family label for Europe 1600-1815:</b>
This cover has lots of exciting scenes. Can you find a hot-air balloon taking off, soldiers hiding in the woods, a man falling off his horse and someone painting?
What else can you see happening here? [09/12/2015]