Two Women in Cloche Hats
Textile art / Needlework embroidery on linen support • Unknown artist; likely a high-quality boutique fiber art piece or a sophisticated Art Deco-inspired needlepoint kit from a designer line
Style & Movement
Art Deco Revival / Mid-Century Retro-Modernism
Medium & Technique
Embroidery using wool or cotton threads; employing stem stitch for outlines, satin stitch for the background rainbow bars, and textured fringe-work or turkey work for the black collar
Creation Period
Circa 1970–1980 (Mid-Century Modern revival of Art Deco aesthetics)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches; Landscape format
Subject Description
Stylized depiction of two women in 1920s fashion, featuring cloche hats, drop earrings, and a textured black collar. The composition uses minimalist line work and a vertical rainbow color bar background typical of late 60s/70s graphic design.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the textile is taut and the colors appear vibrant, though there are visible particulates on the black matting and minor surface dust
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely residential ownership; purchased as a decorative art piece during the 1970s Art Deco nostalgia movement
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 1970s 'Art Deco Revival' period which saw a resurgence in 1920s motifs in fashion and home decor; illustrates the crossover between craft and graphic illustration
Notable Features
Bold chromatic rainbow bars contrasting with minimalist linework; high-relief textured embroidery on the collar providing a three-dimensional element; period-correct chrome-finish metal frame
Condition Issues
Surface dust and lint accumulation on the black fabric mat; potential light fading to the linen support depending on UV exposure history; minor fraying at the edges of the textured collar thread
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning of the glass and mat to remove lint; ensure the piece is framed with UV-protective glass to prevent thread fading; keep away from high humidity to avoid linen warping