Images(2)

Needlework Picture, "Washington's Triumphal Entry into New York," by Unknown Maker

DateLate nineteenth century

OriginAmerica

MediumOil paint, yarn, sequins, and buttons on canvas

DimensionsFramed: OH 50 1/2" x 57 1/4" Actual (by sight): OH 42 1/4" x OW 49 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1970.601.1

DescriptionThis is a large needlework picture worked in shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, and white. The scene shows George Washington entering New York City and being received by crowds of onlookers. Washington is mounted on a white horse and rides in front of a group of men on horseback, two of whom carry regimental flags. A man standing on a balcony to the right of the scene holds an American flag with twenty-four stars; he is joined on the balcony by another man and five women. The crowd below contains a mixture of men, women, and children. Of note is a man to the left of the picture who walks with the aid of a crutch and a Native American man who sits to the right of the picture holding a pipe. The buildings in the background have stepped gables. A tree grows next to the balcony and bears cherries worked in red yarn. The sky and some of the faces are painted in oil while the rest is worked in yarn.

Stitches: applied objects, buttonhole, couching, cross, encroaching (plain and looped), knots, lazy daisy, outline, ribbon work, satin, straight
Label TextThis picture is derived from a lithograph published by William Smith and printed in oil colors by P.S. Duval and Son in 1860. The maker chose not to work the left hand side of the picture which contained additional onlookers, including a grouping of Native American figures and an African American peddler. The maker also added cherries to the tree that grows next to the balcony, perhaps a reference to the tale of George Washington and the cherry tree.