The Embroideress

Seated on a low bench, she steadies a round hoop with both hands, the stretched linen already carrying a small worked posy. The cream gown has a frilled off-shoulder neckline, a ribbon bow at the breast and scattered flower sprigs across the hem. A wicker basket heaped with coloured skeins stands on the stone ledge, with two more spilling against her skirt. A blue ball of thread has rolled onto her knee and anchors the centre of the scene.