Quilt, Appliquéd Lyre

Date1850-1870

MediumPlain and printed cottons

DimensionsOH: 90 in.; OW: 90 in.

Credit LineGift of Julie Silber

Object number2019.609.1

DescriptionThis is a square quilt appliquéd with faded green, yellow, and tan motifs. The center consists of sixteen blocks, each measuring about 17” square and centered with an appliquéd 3-string lyre surrounded by leaves and flowers. The border on all four sides measures about 11 ¼” wide. The quilt pattern of lyres and swags can be read from either direction when placed on a bedstead. The border has repeated appliquéd swags, doubled tassels, and bows. The plain cotton backing is turned to the front to form an edge on all four sides. The bedcover is quilted with off-white running stitches at 11-12 per inch following outlines of appliquéd motifs and in clamshell pattern.
Label TextThe maker of this quilt limited herself to repeating the motif of a lyre sixteen times without any separating bands, or sashing. The appliquéd motifs are turned toward each other so the quilt can be "read" from either direction when placed on a bed. Swags, tassels, and bows ornament the outer border.

The harp-like musical instrument known as a lyre was a popular decorative motif in nineteenth-century furnishings. The instrument appears in ancient Greek art, and the graceful motif was revived in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries with other designs from Greece, becoming associated with classical artistic achievement and democratic ideals. The lyre was also used in Masonic ritual and symbolism.

The quilt is identical to a quilt in the Williamsburg collection that is said to have descended in the Moore family, longstanding residents of York County, Virginia.
ProvenanceNo known provenance other than donor.