Ann W. Rollins and Cermenati & Monfrino
Mourning Embroidery Dedicated to Daniel Rollins
1805
Scroll
- Maker: Ann W. Rollins
- Framer: Cermenati & Monfrino
Mourning Embroidery Dedicated to Daniel Rollins
1805
Physical Qualities
Silk ground with linen edging strip, silk embroidery threads and paint, 14 1/4 x 17 in. (36.2 x 43.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Francis White, from the Collection of Mrs. Miles White, Jr.
Object Number
1973.76.316
The American fashion for embroidered Washington memorials followed an English precedent for honoring patrons, historical figures (particularly Shakespeare), and fictional heroes. However, where English girls confined their tributes to national figures, American girls applied this genre to honor family members as well, including those whose death was far removed in time. The framer's label on the reverse tells us that this embroidery in memory of Daniel Rollins, who died on June 4th, 1795 at age 36, was probably finished and framed approximately eleven years after Rollins' death. Thus, mourning embroideries served not only as true expressions of grief, but also as fashionable family records or household decorations.
Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1973; Nancy Brewster (Mrs. Frances White) by inheritance; Virginia Purviance Bonsal (Mrs. Miles White, Jr.).
Mournful Maidens: Love and Loss in American Embroidery
Betty Ring, American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring, New York: E.P. Dutton/Museum of American Folk Art, 1987, p. 65, figs. 104-106 for example with very similar figures.
Betty Ring, Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework, 1650-1850, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1993, Vol. I, pp. 152-157 (Derby School in Hingham, Mass.)
Davida Tenenbaum Deutsch, 'Samuel Folwell of Philadelphia: an artist for the needleworker,' The Magazine Antiques (February 1981), p. 422, fig. 3 shows a mourning embroidery obviously taken from the same print with a seated figure before a tombstone. This example is attributed to the Folwell school.
M. Finkel & Daughter, 'Samplings,' Philadelphia, PA., Vol. II, 1992, p. 23 illustrates an embroidery in memory of Emma Corbett, c. 1800 featuring the same mourning figure seated before a tombstone. This needlework picture is attributed to the Folwell school.
M. Finkel & Daughter catalogue, Samplings, vol XIV. Silk embroidery in memory of Mrs. Abigail Hale and Mrs. Sarah Kettell, MA, 1813.
Betty Ring, Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework, 1650-1850, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1993, Vol. I, pp. 152-157 (Derby School in Hingham, Mass.)
Davida Tenenbaum Deutsch, 'Samuel Folwell of Philadelphia: an artist for the needleworker,' The Magazine Antiques (February 1981), p. 422, fig. 3 shows a mourning embroidery obviously taken from the same print with a seated figure before a tombstone. This example is attributed to the Folwell school.
M. Finkel & Daughter, 'Samplings,' Philadelphia, PA., Vol. II, 1992, p. 23 illustrates an embroidery in memory of Emma Corbett, c. 1800 featuring the same mourning figure seated before a tombstone. This needlework picture is attributed to the Folwell school.
M. Finkel & Daughter catalogue, Samplings, vol XIV. Silk embroidery in memory of Mrs. Abigail Hale and Mrs. Sarah Kettell, MA, 1813.
Inscribed: Signed in gilt letters on eglomise mat: 'Ann W Rollins.'; Embroidered on monument: 'In/ memory/ of/ Daniel Rollins/ who died/ June 4th/ 1795/ AE 36.'; Printed on label on reverse: 'Ladies needle work Fram'd and Glaz'd in the neatest manner/ Cermenati & Monfrino/ CARVERS, GILDERS, PICTURE FRAME and/ Looking Glass Manufacturers/ No 2. STATE STREET/ South side of the old State House/ Boston/ Where they keep constantly for sale a large and/ elegant Assortment of Looking Glasses, Prints/ &c from the best Masters in Europe./ Also Telescopes, Barometers and Thermometers made and Repaired in the/best manner./ Old Looking Glass new Silvered.' Also in a square at the upper right: 'Enamelling'
