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(Description taken from Betty Ring's auction catalogue Januarary 2012 at Sotheby's)
LOT 597
RARE EMBROIDERED AND PAINTED SILK MOURNING PICTURE,
ANONYMOUS, MARY BALCH'S SCHOOL, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND,
CIRCA 1820
Worked in silk, chenille, and paint on silk; embroidered on the monument; In memory of, Mrs. Henrietta S. Smith,
Wife of Mr. Martin Smith...
Height 23 3/8 in. by width 20 in.
PROVENANCE
G. W. Samaha, Milan, Ohio, June 6, 1983
EXHIBITED
American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of
American Folk Art (p. 92, fig. 147); Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee: Needlework in the Education of Rhode Island
Women, 1730-1830 at the Rhode Island Historical Society, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Metropolitan Museum
of Art (p.182, fig. 86)
CATALOGUE NOTE
The fashion for decorated glass mats began to fade in the 1820s and the massive frame on this embroidery reflects
the heaviness of the emerging Empire style. Possibly a sister of Henrietta Baker Smith worked this memorial at
Mary Balch's school. Martin Smith was a Providence grocer.
ESTIMATE with 25% buyers premium $10,000 - $15,000
Special Offering: Sold
To discuss or purchase this item call (860) 388-6809 or email: Hubers@Antiquesamplers.com
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