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2023-115, Counterpane
Counterpane
2023-115, Counterpane

Counterpane

Dateca. 1815
Maker Martha "Pattie" Venable (1765 - 1858)
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Prince Edward County
MediumPlain and printed cottons on cotton grounds with cotton fringe and silk and wool embroidery threads; linen sewing thread (fiber identification by microscope)
DimensionsOH w/ fringe: 87 3/8" x OW w/ fringe: 83 3/4"; Fringe OW: 2"
Credit LineGift of the Family of Leucia B. Venable
Object number2023-115
DescriptionRectangular appliquéd and embroidered counterpane consisting of a central flowering tree growing from a hillock. The central motif is surrounded by eight sprays of flowers and fruit. The outer border contains appliquéd flowers and leaves, and embroidered flowers, vines, and fruit. Each corner contains a vine with fruit and flowers growing out of a mound. The colors are in shades of blue, green, brown, red, pink, yellow, gold, and cream. The strawberries, vines, cherries, and grapes are embroidered. Appliquéd motifs were cut from chintzes and printed cottons. The embroidered threads are wool and cotton. The counterpane is made up of 2 seamed center panels with eight individual pieces of cotton making up the side panels and corners. The top has a rolled hem and there is a two-inch knotted fringe at sides and bottom.

Stitches: buttonhole, chain, encroaching satin, feather, fishbone (couched straight stitch), satin, seed, slip, stem, straight
Label TextMartha Venable of Prince Edward County, Virginia, used two techniques to create her fashionable bedcover--appliqué and embroidery. Appliquéd motifs were cut from chintz and printed cottons and stitched in place with buttonhole stitches. Martha used various embroidery stitches to create the vine border and other motifs such as the strawberries and grapes. The counterpane descended through the Venable family until it was given to the museum.
ProvenanceMartha (Pattie) Venable [1765-1858] (Prince Edward County, Virginia); by descent to her son Nathaniel Joseph Venable [ca. 1790-1865] (Prince Edward County, Virginia; by descent to his daughter Bettie Haskins Venable [1836-1876]; by descent to her daughter Sallie Elizabeth Garden [1868-1951]; by descent to her son Sidney Johnson Venable, Sr. [1894-1985]; by descent to his daughter Leucia [sic] Butler Venable; by descent to her niece Grace V. Jenchura; 2023-present, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)