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Mourning Sampler

A work made of silk, warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave; embroidered with silk and silk chenille in split, surface satin, and stem stitches; couching; with human hair.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of silk, warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave; embroidered with silk and silk chenille in split, surface satin, and stem stitches; couching; with human hair.

Date:

About 1810

Artist:

Made at Mary Balch’s School
Providence, Rhode Island, United States

About this artwork

The inscription on this mourning sampler commemorates the deaths of Nicholas (1767–1797) and Mary Bullock (died 1802). It is likely that was was stitched by either Mary or Louise (Louisa) Winsor, daughters of Mary Bullock Winsor (1767-1816) and Nicholas Winsor (1767-1797). The family connection and style of this piece, and other related works, link it to Mary Balch’s school in Providence. The inclusion of the trumpeting angels indicates that this piece is among the earliest mourning embroideries made at the school. Silk on silk embroidery demonstrated advances needlework skills for a young women. This memorial sampler, along with other types of mourning art, is not a morbid tribute, but rather a beautiful and sophisticated expression of sentiment for the dearly departed.

Status

On View, Gallery 59

Department

Textiles

Artist

Mary Balch's School

Title

Mourning Sampler

Place

Rhode Island (Object made in:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1800–1820

Medium

Silk, warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave; embroidered with silk and silk chenille in split, surface satin, and stem stitches; couching; with human hair

Inscriptions

Embroidered on monument, beneath left memorial urn: In memory of / Mr. Nicholas Winsor / who died August / 20 1797 Aged 30. / Embroidered on monument, beneath right memorial urn: In memory of / Mrs. Mary Bullock / who died [...] 5 / 1802 aged 61. / Embroided on base of monument, quotation reconstructed: [Their minds were tranquil and serene, / No terror in their looks were seen, / A Saviour’s smile dispell’d the gloom, / And smooth’d their passage to the tomb.]

Dimensions

42.2 × 58.8 cm (16 1/2 × 23 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

The Art Institute of Chicago, Department of Textiles Collection

Reference Number

1971.146

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https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/36076/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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