Quilt, White Cord Worked, 1788

DateDated 1788

MediumCotton, linen

DimensionsL: 58"; W: 48"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-317

DescriptionSmall white cotton cover quilted in cord-quilting technique in a design with a central oval medallion enclosing a crown and letters and numbers reading B (or LB) / 1788. The oval medallion is surrounded by a field of sprigs enclosed in diamonds; the wide outer border features flowers and coiling vines.
Label TextThis small quilt is worked in cord quilting delineated in white linen thread with closely spaced backstitches. Soft cotton cords drawn between the cotton front and back layers raise the floral pattern in slight relief, although the quilter did not add the knot stitches that often characterize Marseilles quilted objects. Worked into the center is the date 1788 and the letter B (or LB), but their significance is unknown. If the piece was made by an anonymous quilter in a professional workshop, the initial(s) may be that of the client rather than the maker. The quilt is bound with narrow linen tape.

Small quilts were not necessarily used by children. In France, a quilt such as this served either as a vanne, placed on top of a larger bedcover for decoration, or a couvre-pieds,
a foot cover for lounging.

Note that the photograph was done with back lighting to show the design as shadows from the cords.
Markings1788 worked into quilting.
ProvenancePurchased from Louis Lyons, a New York dealer, 1953.