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1953-973, Needlework picture
Needlework Picture of Pastoral Scene
1953-973, Needlework picture

Needlework Picture of Pastoral Scene

Dateca. 1770
Attributed to Mary Frothingham (1755-1845)
OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Charlestown (probably)
MediumWool, silk, and metallic embroidery threads on a linen/cotton ground of 40 x 40 threads per inch (fiber identification by textile lab)
DimensionsFramed: OW 17 1/2" x OH 13 1/2" Actual (by sight): OW 13 7/8" x OH 10"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1953-973
DescriptionThis is a framed rectangular crewel needlework picture worked on linen in coarsely spun wools of light and medium blue, pink, rose, green (now faded to browns), gold and black, with ivory silk and metallic silver. The scene depicts a young girl in a blue gown with pink petticoat and white cap standing on a grassy mound among flowering trees, birds, strawberries, and flowers.

The black frame with gilt spandrel and old glass are contemporary.

Stitches: couched, flat, and outline
Label TextPastoral scenes were popular subjects for needlework pictures in England and America during the eighteenth century. This picture is attributed to Mary Frothingham, a young woman who was likely living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, when she made this piece.
InscribedThe right side of the backboard has chalk figures written on it. They look like
"50 2000
40 20
----------- ----------
2000 40000"

On the back of the backboard is a penciled inscription, which is copied onto the label of "Mrs. Aldus C. Higgins / 1 John Wing Road / Worcester, Massachusetts." "Done by Mary Frothingham/ when about 15 years of age/ Great grandmother of/ Susanne Sanya [?] Child/ In original frame."

ProvenanceColonial Williamsburg purchased this needlework picture from Lillian Blankley Cogan, a Connecticut antique dealer, in 1953. A pencil inscription on the back of the picture indicates that Mary Sprague Green Higgins (1882-1970) was the previous owner of the picture. Mary likely inherited the piece from her aunt, Susannah Sawyer Messinger Child (1852-1937). Susannah was the daughter of Harriet S. Sawyer (1814-1895) and David Sewell Messinger (1808-1895). Harriet was the daughter of Susanna Thompson (1791-1886) and William Sawyer (1783-1830). Susanna was the daughter of the maker, Mary Frothingham (1755-1845), and Timothy Thompson (1750-1834).

History of Maker:

Mary Frothingham was born to Joseph Frothingham (d. 1787) and Deborah Rand (1731-1802) on December 18, 1755, likely in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Mary married Timothy Thompson (1759-1834) on January 3, 1775,in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and together they had twelve children: Joseph, Timothy, Samuel, Abraham Rand, Joseph, Mary, Lydia, Susanna, Susanna, Thomas Miller, George, and Benjamin. Mary died on February 9, 1848.