A Token of Love

During the twentieth century, Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) assembled a vast collection of antiques made and used in America between 1640 and 1860 to furnish and decorate the interiors of his home. He had a special love for textiles and needlework; as a result, he acquired more than 700
pieces of American needlework for what is now the Winterthur Museum collection.

In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, girls learned needlework skills so that they would be proficient as adults. Some learned at home; others were sent to schools to learn under skilled needlewomen. One of the first things a girl created was a sampler to showcase the various stitches she had learned. Those of a diminutive size were often stitched as a gift or presentation piece. The antique original was stitched in the United States sometime between 1800 and 1825. Worked primarily in tent stitch with silk thread on cotton gauze, the charming design of a man and women
surrounded by hearts, flowers, and birds was perhaps a token of love made for someone special.
Our reproduction is worked with silk in cross-stich over one thread and satin stitch.

Size: Measures 6.5" x 4.5' (16cm x 11.5cm)
Thread Count: Worked on 35 count (14 thr/cm) linen
Colour:
Recommended Level: Intermediate
Cost: cht. $15.00
Categories: , Winterthur, Miniatures
ID: 291

All prices are in US Dollars.