Silk Brocade Document

Dateca. 1750

Artist/Maker Anna Maria Garthwaite

OriginEngland or Europe, France; used in America, Massachusetts (possibly)

MediumSilk

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 17 3/16 x 42in. (43.7 x 106.7cm) Other (Selvedge Width): 21 1/8in. (53.7cm) Other (Design Repeat (H x W)): 17 1/4 x 10 1/2in. (43.8 x 26.7cm) Physical Description (PPI): 72 Physical Description (EPI): 160

Credit LineGift of F. Schumacher and Company.

Object number1978-200

DescriptionThis rectangular, fawn-colored fragment has a loose cross-hatched design of curvilinear floral vines. Some of the flowers and leaves are portrayed semi-naturalistically (roses, carnations, horse chestnuts), while others are abstract (the blue teardrop shapes). The brocade is woven in white, black, two shades of purple, three shades of pink, two shades of blue, and two shades of green. The right edge is raw and basted to the lining about 3/8” from the edge. The top edge is raw. The left edge is a selvedge pressed to the back. The selvedge is held in a plain weave and has a light pink stripe and corded edge. From outside in, there is one thick fawn-colored warp; one thin warp; one thick warp; one thin warp; two thick warps; two thin warps (still in fawn); four thin pink warps; and seven thin fawn warps. Altogether, the selvedges are nineteen warps wide (3/8”). The bottom edge has the remnants of a tape hem or false hem—the stitching is still present, but most of the facing fabric has disintegrated or been removed. The piece is heavily repaired and partially lined to stabilize the repairs. There is grey lint inside the crease along the entire left edge.
Label TextThis brocaded silk was once part of a gown. It was purchased by F. Schumacher Co. from a private collection in Massachusetts. It is possible that the gown was worn in America.
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceObtained by F. Schumacher & Co. from private collection, Massachusetts;
Given to CWF, 1978.