Embroidered Picture

Periodca. 1810 - 1812

MediumSilk embroidery thread, watercolor, and graphite on paper

Dimensions6 × 10 in. (15.2 × 25.4 cm)

InscribedHandwritten ink inscription on verso reads "Ann W. Little's work / from 1810 or 12." A penciled inscription on the original pine backing board reads, "copied and fixed to frame / by M. T. (?) Corlies 1870 in the 73rd of age."

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1931

Object number116

DescriptionAn embroidery and watercolor panel depicting two birds perched atop leafy branches. The birds hold clusters of berries in their beaks. A large and elaborate floral and foliate spray in the center of the panel grows from a tiny urn. The birds, leafy branches, urn, and berry clusters are rendered in blue-green and light brown watercolors over graphite. The floral and foliate arrangement is rendered in fine single ply silk embroidery thread in pale blue, golden tan, and oyster white. Several small blue-green leaves are rendered in watercolor surrounding the large flower in the lower right area of the bouquet. The embroidery paper panel is backed with a second sheet of paper as a support. Blue-green silk embroidery thread is worked in a simple binding stitch around all four edges.
Curatorial RemarksBefore working on large and elaborate finish samplers, girls completed numerous smaller needlework projects under the direction of their instructors. From time to time, girls also designed and completed needlework projects on their own, often as gifts for parents, relatives, or friends. Ann Little produced her charming mixed media piece at the age of about thirteen, combining her embroidery skills and drawing talents. A gentle hand was needed to pull the strands of silk thread through the delicate paper without tearing.NotesThe Ann W. Little noted on the back of the work may be Ann White Little, a daughter of Charles Little (1769 - 1846) and Meribah White Little (b. 1758) of Eatontown, Monmouth County. Ann was born on 26 May 1797 and also lived for much of her adulthood in Eatontown. So she would have been roughly thirteen or fourteen years old at the time she produced the picture. Having remained single, Ann died on 7 August 1858, "aged 60 years, 2 mos. 11 days." She had made a will only fourteen days before her passing. In it she divided her wardrobe and some possessions among friends and family, and then left the remainder of her estate to the Presbyterian Church in Shrewsbury. Ann was laid to rest in the graveyard that surrounds the church. An Ann W. Little witnessed two weddings at the Shrewsbury Friends Meetinghouse in 1821 and 1823. It is not likely that in the early nineteenth century a non-Quaker would be allowed to attend the ceremony and sign marriage certificates. So it appears that there were two women in the Shrewsbury area with the same name. The Little family described above had been long-time members and supporters of the Presbyterian church in Shrewsbury.

Collections