“Idyl of Elegance”

Refined elegance, soft colors in a beautifully executed needlepoint portrait of Marie Antoinette holding a rose.  Inspired by an 18^th century masterpiece by Elisabeth Louise Vigee LeBrun, this unique artwork hearkens back to a golden age of luxury.

Canvas design by Wiehler Gobelin.  Stitched by  Anna Nagy Weinstock.

“Anna Nagy Weinstock was born on April 5, 1917 in the Bucovina region of Romania.  She spent her early adulthood in Bucharest, Romania where she managed a pension (a small bed and breakfast hotel).  During World War 2, after Romania became an ally of Germany, she hid three German Jewish young adults and most certainly saved their lives.  (For context, 380,000 -400,000 Jews in Romania were exterminated by the Nazis.)  One of those young adults, Norbert Weinstock, married Anna on July 26, 1947.  In May of 1949 the young couple, together with their infant daughter, received visas to emigrate to Germany.  Eager for a better life in the land of opportunity, the family was sponsored by friends and immigrated to the USA.  After three years in Omaha, Nebraska, sunny San Diego beckoned.  The family of four, which now included a baby boy, traveled cross country in 1956 and settled permanently in San Diego.

In San Diego Anna raised her two children and began taking care of other youngsters in her home.  In 1967 she expanded and built and operated a preschool for 24 children.  This required a certificate in Early Childhood Development which she obtained at the local community college.  She returned to Europe several times to visit family in Romania and Germany.  While in Munich visiting a sister-in-law in 1978, she became interested in needlepoint and began stitching the canvases.  With each trip to the old country, she brought more needlepoint canvases home.  Stitching became her favorite hobby which she continued well into retirement.  Her beautiful needlepoint was proudly displayed in her home and now graces the homes of her children.  As her daughter, I consider each stitchery a work of art. “

--Yvonne Dyson

A perfect gold frame adds to its charm.

Dimensions:  22 ½ wide;  29 ½ inches tall

Donated by Yvonne Dyson