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Needlework Memorial to Howe Family
No image number on slide

Needlework Memorial to Howe Family

Dateca. 1805
OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Hingham
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a silk satin ground (fiber identification by eye) with linen support, paper mat, and painted and gilded frame
DimensionsFramed: OH 13 3/8" x OW 18 5/8" Actual: OH 11 1/2" x OW 17
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1970.604.1,A&B
DescriptionThis is a framed rectangular mourning embroidery worked in shades of green, blue-green, yellow-green, cream, and black silk threads on a silk satin ground. In the center of the scene is a rectangular tomb that supports two identical urns. In the center of the rectangular base is an oval worked in black; this oval bears the initials "H H" and "M H" in white. Vines worked in black frame the top half of the oval; details of the tomb are also picked out in black stitches. Several small plants grow along the ground. A weeping willow arches over and across the top of the tomb. Two smaller trees sit on the horizon line to the right of the weeping willow while a larger tree sits on the left. From the bottom up, the ground consists of bands of dark green, blue-green, cream, yellow-green, and light green. The sky consists of the natural satin backing.
Paper strips that were originally used to mat the embroidery form a border; the bottom strip bears the following inscription: "In memory of Mrs Hannah Howe who died Octr 10th 1796 in the 74th year of her age and Miss Mary Howe who died June 2 1792 in the 29th year of her age."

Stitches: backstitch, chain, flat, outline, satin
Label TextThis needlework memorial was likely worked at the Derby Academy in Hingham, Massachusetts. Derby Academy was a coeducational institution established by Sarah Derby in 1784. The two individuals memorialized are Hannah Howe (1722-1796) and her daughter, Mary "Molly" Howe (1763-1792). This picture was most likely worked by the daughter of one of Mary Howe's siblings in honor of her aunt and grandmother.
Inscribed"In memory of Mrs Hannah Howe who died Octr 10th 1796 in the 74th year of her age and Miss Mary Howe who died June 2 1792 in the 29th year of her age."
"H H"/"M H"
ProvenanceFound in New Hampshire; no further provenance is known.