William Mason Brown Apples and Lilacs 1872 free xstitch

William Mason Brown (1828-1898) was an American painter known for his still-life paintings. One of his most famous works is "Apples and Lilacs," completed in 1872. This painting has become a popular free cross-stitch pattern, beloved by stitchers for its beautiful design and rich history.

Brown was born in New York City and began his artistic career as a lithographer. He later turned to painting and became known for his still-life works. He was heavily influenced by the Dutch still-life painters of the 17th century, particularly the works of Willem Kalf and Jan Davidszoon de Heem. Brown's paintings often feature objects such as fruit, flowers, and table settings, arranged in a way that creates a sense of harmony and balance.

"Apples and Lilacs" is a prime example of Brown's talent for still-life painting. The painting depicts a simple arrangement of apples and lilacs in a vase, set against a dark background. The colors are muted, with the only bright spots provided by the pink and purple lilacs. The apples are slightly bruised and show signs of age, adding a sense of realism to the painting.

In the late 19th century, Brown's paintings were widely admired and collected. He was awarded a medal at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, and his works were exhibited at the National Academy of Design and the Brooklyn Art Association, among other venues.

Fast forward to the present day, "Apples and Lilacs" has become a popular free cross-stitch pattern. The design is simple, yet elegant, and the colors are easy to match with embroidery floss. Many cross-stitch enthusiasts have recreated this painting in thread, and have posted their finished works on social media sites such as Instagram and Pinterest.

The popularity of "Apples and Lilacs" as a cross-stitch pattern is due in part to the enduring appeal of still-life painting. The beauty of these works lies in their ability to transform everyday objects into something special and meaningful. For cross-stitchers, recreating these paintings in thread is a way to capture that beauty and create something that can be admired and treasured.

But why has this particular painting become so popular among cross-stitch hobbyists? One reason may be its simplicity. The design is easy to follow, with only a few colors needed to complete the pattern. This makes it an ideal project for beginners or those who want to create something quickly and easily.

Another reason for its popularity may be the painting's rich history. "Apples and Lilacs" is not just a pretty picture, but a work of art that has stood the test of time. Recreating this painting in thread is a way to connect with the past and pay tribute to the artist who created it.

The free cross-stitch pattern for "Apples and Lilacs" can be found on various websites and blogs dedicated to cross-stitching. Some stitchers have created their own adaptations of the design, adding their own personal touches to the painting. Some have added a border, while others have experimented with different color schemes or added additional flowers to the arrangement.

Regardless of the adaptations or variations, the beauty and simplicity of "Apples and Lilacs" remain constant. Its popularity among cross-stitch hobbyists is a testament to the enduring appeal of still-life painting and the art of cross-stitching. William Mason Brown's "Apples and Lilacs" is a beloved painting that has captured the hearts of cross-stitch enthusiasts around the world. Its simple yet elegant design, rich history, and enduring appeal make it an ideal free cross-stitch pattern. Whether recreated faithfully or adapted to suit individual tastes, "Apples and Lilacs" remains a beloved image

This pattern was designed using the following materials:

Fabric: Aida 14, White 150w X 189h Stitches Size: 14 Count, 27.21w X 34.29h cm Floss Used for Full Stitches: Type Number Color DMC 150 Dusty Rose-UL VY DK DMC 154 Grape-VY DK DMC 300 Mahogany-VY DK DMC 317 Pewter Gray DMC 370 Mustard-MD DMC 372 Mustard-LT DMC 413 Pewter Gray-DK DMC 414 Steel Gray-DK DMC 415 Pearl Gray DMC 535 Ash Gray-VY LT DMC 610 Drab Brown-DK DMC 612 Drab Brown-LT DMC 640 Beige Gray-VY DK DMC 729 Old Gold-MD DMC 738 Tan-VY LT DMC 777 Raspberry-VY DK DMC 779 Cocoa-DK DMC 780 Topaz-UL VY DK DMC 783 Topaz-MD DMC 801 Coffee Brown-DK DMC 814 Garnet-DK DMC 823 Navy Blue-DK DMC 832 Golden Olive DMC 833 Golden Olive-LT DMC 902 Garnet-VY DK DMC 921 Copper DMC 934 Black Avocado Green DMC 936 Avocado Green-VY DK DMC 938 Coffee Brown-UL DK DMC 3011 Khaki Green-DK DMC 3012 Khaki Green-MD DMC 3031 Mocha Brown-VY DK DMC 3346 Hunter Green DMC 3362 Pine Green-DK DMC 3371 Black Brown DMC 3721 Shell Pink-DK DMC 3799 Pewter Gray-VY DK DMC 3819 Moss Green-LT DMC 3820 Straw-DK DMC 3821 Straw DMC 3861 Cocoa-LT DMC 3864 Mocha Beige-LT