Art Institute of Chicago

Mourning Sampler

Made at Mary Balch's School

Date

About 1810

Medium

Silk, warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave; embroidered with silk and silk chenille in split, surface satin, and stem stitches; couching; with human hair

Culture

Rhode Island

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The inscription on this mourning sampler commemorates the deaths of Nicholas (1767–1797) and Mary Bullock (died 1802). It is likely that was was stitched by either Mary or Louise (Louisa) Winsor, daughters of Mary Bullock Winsor (1767-1816) and Nicholas Winsor (1767-1797). The family connection and style of this piece, and other related works, link it to Mary Balch’s school in Providence. The inclusion of the trumpeting angels indicates that this piece is among the earliest mourning embroideries made at the school. Silk on silk embroidery demonstrated advances needlework skills for a young women. This memorial sampler, along with other types of mourning art, is not a morbid tribute, but rather a beautiful and sophisticated expression of sentiment for the dearly departed.

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