Hooked Rug

William P. Shearwood

National Gallery of Art

The image is a needlepoint tapestry with a symmetrical composition, framed by floral and geometric designs on the sides. The point of view is straightforward and depicts a pastoral landscape. In the center, there is a serene scene of four rabbits nestled in grass and greenery under a tree with a trunk. Beyond them, a small pond or river is depicted with two ducks. The horizon is set at the top third of the tapestry, with a stately building featuring two tall spires against the sky, acting as a focal point for the background. The color palette of the tapestry is warm and earthy, featuring greens, browns, and blues with pops of pink and red from surrounding flowers and foliage. The needlework adds texture and depth, giving the impression of brushstrokes where different threads and hues blend to create details and shading throughout the scene.