Needlework Memorial to William Whittingham by Unknown Maker
Dateca. 1840
MediumSilk, silk chenille, and wool embroidery threads with ink and tempera on an unidentified fabric ground (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsActual (by sight): OH 35 3/8" x OW 26 3/4"
Framed: OH 31 7/8" x OW 41 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1957.604.1
DescriptionThis framed rectangular needlework picture is worked in shades of red, green, brown, beige, black, and white silk, silk chenille, and wool embroidery threads on an unidentified fabric ground.The maker combined a variety of techniques including painting, crewel work, embroidery, and applique. The composition is divided in two sections; to the left is a group of mourners gathered around a white tomb and to the right is a church nestled within a copse of trees. The left-hand scene consists of a group of mourners (two women and one man) gathered around a rectangular tomb that supports a large, white urn. The bodies of the figures are stitched in wool; their heads are made of paper and are either sewed or tacked onto the picture. The inscription on the tomb seems to have originally been printed on a funeral card which was subsequently cut into the shape of a tomb and appliqued with stitches disguised as branches and grass. The inscription reads: "SACRED TO THE MEMORY/ Of WILLIAM, only Son of/ CHARLES WHITTINGHAM,/ WHO EXPIRED/ August 1st, 1836; aged 5 years, 9 months and 8 days." This inscription is followed by a verse: "Calm be thy rest, my little one,/ Where no rude blast can harm thee;/ Where nought on earth of weal or woe/ Hath power to alarm thee./ For death hath called thee from my arms,/ My own, my fondly cherished;/ And all that once was bright and fair,/ Within the grave hath perished." A weeping willow, the trunk of which is worked in a combination of short and long stitches and the branches of which are worked in chenille, shelters the tomb and mourners. To the left of the weeping willow is a grouping of trees and shrubs worked in French knots that surround a white cottage, which sits in the distance. The righthand scene consists of a white church with three brown doors across the front and black windows and a white steeple, all worked with wool thread. Trees and shrubs made of French knots in wool thread surround the church on three sides. Wool thread is also used for a brown road that leads to the front of the church and for the various shades of green and brown that constitute the grass. The sky is painted with orange and blue tempera.The piece was framed and matted in 1958 by the Old Print Shop.
Stitches: couched, encroaching satin, French knots, satin, straight
Label TextThis late memorial picture is distinguished by its enormous size and the successful combination of painted surface and decorative embroidery. It was worked in honor of William Whittingham, a young boy who died on August 1, 1836 at five years of age. William was the son of Charles and Ruth Wallace Whittingham, residents of New York City. This picture was most likely worked by one of William's older sisters, Amelia or Mary Whittingham.
Inscribed"SACRED TO THE MEMORY/ Of WILLIAM, only Son of/ CHARLES WHITTINGHAM,/ WHO EXPIRED/ August 1st, 1836; aged 5 years, 9 months and 8 days."
"Calm be thy rest, my little one,/ Where no rude blast can harm thee;/ Where nought on earth of weal or woe/ Hath power to alarm thee./ For death hath called thee from my arms,/ My own, my fondly cherished;/ And all that once was bright and fair,/ Within the grave hath perished."
ProvenancePurchased from The Downtown Gallery, New York, in 1957. No further provenance is known.
