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BETSY
DAVIS 1797 |
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From the collection of the Museum of
Fine Arts-Boston this Providence, Rhode Island, sampler is a
superb example of the work done at Miss Mary (Polly) Balch's
school. Combining sophisticated architectural, landscape and
figural motifs with elaborate and unusual stitch combinations,
including filled-in, tapestry-like backgrounds, this body of
samplers is perhaps the finest and most well known in the American
tradition. Although the school is never named, recurring themes
in verse and design make these samplers fairly easy to recognize.
A plaque at the center of this sampler is surrounded on three
sides by the distinctive Balch School rococo stitch flowers
springing from urns on either side. The verse - one frequently
appearing on these samplers - is announced by trumpeting angels.
A three - storied house and numerous figures and animals complete
the three-tiered scenes. |
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Origin and date: Mary Balch School, Providence,
Rhode Island, 1797
Rated: Advanced
Linen count and finished size: 25 count, 13"x15"
Stitches: Cross, half cross, satin, queen, stem
Source: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Kit with cotton floss: $44.00
Kit with silk floss: $75.00
Graph Only: $14.00
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