Sale 20FA01 | Lot 305

Silk, Metallic Thread, Chenille and Watercolor on Silk Needlework of Liberty with Inverted Cornucopia

Catalogue: Cherished: American Folk Art & Toys from the Estate of a Private Collector
Silk, Metallic Thread, Chenille and Watercolor on Silk Needlework of Liberty with Inverted Cornucopia

Lot Details

Lot 305
Silk, Metallic Thread, Chenille and Watercolor on Silk Needlework of Liberty with Inverted Cornucopia
Worked by Maria Williston aged 14, Easthampton, MA, Abby Wright's School, South Hadley, MA circa 1806-07
Height 10 5/8 inches, width 8 inches.

Provenance:
Stephen & Carol Huber, 2001

The figure of Liberty is dressed in empire fashion. The cornucopia of spilling fruit probably denotes a symbol of freedom and prosperity, which can be linked to Greek mythology. The use of silver threads and curvy fantastical trees is a signature of Abby Wright's School. Pictured in With Needle and Brush: Schoolgirl Embroidery From the Connecticut River Valley, 1740-1840, pl. 58, p. 80.


C Property from the Estate of a Private Collector

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for $2,500 (includes buyer's premium)

Additional Notes & Condition Report

slight losses to painted features such as neck; metallic oval border with a few loose areas, as well as the ribbon decoration in metallic thread in center top and bottom; slight staining; one small are of a leaf on bottom right possibly replaced with olive thread; flaking to top right corner of eglomise mat

frame rubbed, scratched, losses

Please note that a note affixed to the back of the frame reads:
Copy of the original wording on rear of original paper that fell apart in being cleaned and frame touched up in Dec. 1947
MARIA WILLISTON -- Easthampton, Massachusetts
Daughter of Rev. Payson Williston of Mass.
She was Sister of John Payson Williston - Faith of a human ( ? wording not altogether clear) Williston.
This was Done while she was at School in 1807 or 1808


Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Doyle New York shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.

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Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for $2,500 (includes buyer's premium)

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Catalogue Info

Cherished: American Folk Art & Toys from the Estate of a Private Collector

Thu, Jan 23, 2020 at 10am EST
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