Maria E. Walter
Mourning Embroidery Dedicated to John A.W. Walter
c. 1841
Physical Qualities
Silk ground, silk chenille embroidery threads, gouache, linen lining, 18 1/2 x 25 1/2 in. (47 x 64.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Decorative Arts Fund
Object Number
1957.33
The composition of Maria E. Walter's large mourning embroidery is probably based upon a Washington memorial print, but a more immediate source might be found in some of the embroidered memorials worked at the Folwell School in Philadelphia. Several similar needlework pictures exist that show the influence of designs by Philadelphia artist Samuel Folwell, though they are not painted by him. These embroideries may have originated in one of the many schools competing with the Folwell school in the Philadelphia area. However, the name "Baltimore" written on the canvas lining of this needlework and newspaper clippings from Baltimore papers found on the back of the frame may indicate a different origin. Although the year 1841 written on the monument depicted in this embroidery does not represent the date the embroidery was completed, such a late date is consistent with the extensive use of chenille threads, so named for their furry appearance--chenille being French for caterpillar.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1957; Ms. Nellie M. Parker.
Anita Jones, Baltimore, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Jean and Allan Berman Textile Gallery, "'The Accomplished Stitch: American Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection," May 11- July 20, 1997, printed checklist no. 22.
Anita Jones, Baltimore, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Jean and Allan Berman Textile Gallery, "Mournful Maidens: Love and Loss in American Embroidery," (September 9, 2009-February 21, 2010), no catalog.
Anita Jones, Baltimore, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Jean and Allan Berman Textile Gallery, "Mournful Maidens: Love and Loss in American Embroidery," (September 9, 2009-February 21, 2010), no catalog.
Inscribed: Printed in gold letters on eglomise mat: 'Maria E. Walter'; Printed in ink or paint on memorial in picture: 'To the Memory/ of / a beloved Brother./ John A. W. Walter./ Who died in New Orlea[ns]/ Sept. 24/ 1841/ Aged 25'; Written in black ink on linen (?) canvas of backing at left center of stretcher: 'Baltimore [in script] 44 R[?]/H[?] 4444 [Note that the inscription is difficult to read and another translation is possible. According to frame conservator Jim Brewster the 'R' and 'H' could refer to 'round and hollow' indicating that this inscription was made by the framer.]
