Needlework Memorial to Burgess Family by Harriot Burgess
Date1819
Artist/Maker
Harriot Amanda Burgess
(1800 - 1870)
School of
Mary Balch
(1762 - 1831)
MediumSilk and chenille threads and watercolor on a satin-weave, silk ground in a gilt, white pine frame with eglomise (reverse painting on glass) mat
DimensionsFramed: OH 27 3/8" x OW 31 3/8"
Actual (by sight): OH 20 1/8" x OW 24 1/8"
Credit LineBequest of John Law Robertson
Object number1971.604.1
DescriptionThis is a framed needlework picture worked in shades of gold, green, brown, beige, black, and white silk and chenille threads with paint on a silk ground. A large weeping willow occupies the center of the composition; the stitcher has simulated the texture of leaves by placing herringbone stitches over lines of running stitch. Two tombstones stand in front of the tree. The tomb that stands to the left consists of a marble base, which supports an inscribed, stone obelisk. The inscription on this obelisk reads: "Consecrated/ to/ the memory/ of/ JOB M. BURGESS,/ who was born April 19, 1802./ and died May 16th, 1802./ aged 27 days./ And/ BENJAMIN B. BURGESS,/ who was born Oct. 23rd, 1803./ and departed this life May 3rd, 1806./ aged 2 years and 7 months./ Grieve not fond Parents at thy infants doom,/ Early their path was open'd to the tomb,/ Early, to thee they bade a last adieu,/ And closed their eyes upon this earth and you" The tomb that stands to the right consists of a marble base, which supports an inscribed, rectangular block, which in turn supports a marble obelisk that is capped by a marble urn. The inscription on this tomb reads: "Consecrated to the remains/ of/ Mrs. ABIGAIL BURGESS,/ consort of Mr. Benjamin Burgess, who died/ Sept. 17th, 1811. in the 43rd year of her age.-/ Her tranquil soul has took its flight,/ To that immortal rest -/ Where troubles cease and sorrows end,/ Within her peaceful breast."
A young girl kneels in front of the tomb on the right. Seen in profile, her face and brown, curly hair are painted directly onto the silk backing. Her dress is black and has a high, empire waist and long sleeves. A small crop of trees borders the picture on the left and a small tree borders the picture on the right. In the distance to the right is a church and to the left is a town.
The needlework picture is framed with a black, eglomise mat, which is inscribed with the name "HARRIOT A. BURGESS".
Stitches: backstitch, couched, herringbone, patterned flat stitches, running, satin
Label TextHarriot Burgess's distinctive methods of simulating tree foliage, tomb inscriptions, and marble veining in the monuments are among the factors that link her work to Mary Balch's school in Providence, Rhode Island.
On August 28, 1819, upon the completion of her studies at the Balch school, Harriot received a printed "reward of merit" card which described her as"...the young Lady, whom Miss Balch and her Assistants shall judge worthy to be honored."
Inscribed"Consecrated/ to/ the memory/ of/ JOB M. BURGESS,/ who was born April 19, 1802./ and died May 16th, 1802./ aged 27 days./ And/ BENJAMIN B. BURGESS,/ who was born Oct. 23rd, 1803./ and departed this life May 3rd, 1806./ aged 2 years and 7 months./ Grieve not fond Parents at thy infants doom,/ Early their path was open'd to the tomb,/ Early, to thee they bade a last adieu,/ And closed their eyes upon this earth and you"
"Consecrated to the remains/ of/ Mrs. ABIGAIL BURGESS,/ consort of Mr. Benjamin Burgess, who died/ Sept. 17th, 1811. in the 43rd year of her age.-/ Her tranquil soul has took its flight,/ To that immortal rest -/ Where troubles cease and sorrows end,/ Within her peaceful breast."
MarkingsLettered in pencil on paper backing: "This piece was worked while at Mifs Balch's/ Academy George St. Providence R.I./ August 28th 1819"
ProvenanceHistory of Maker:
Harriot Burgess (1800-1870) was the daughter of Benjamin Burgess (d. 1822) and Abigail Mason (d. 1811) of Providence, Rhode Island. She married Daniel Pettis (or Pettey), Jr. on October 31, 1819, and they had at least one child, Gardner B. Pettis (1830-1874). Harriot Burgess Pettis died on March 26, 1870 at the age of 70 and is buried in the North Burial Ground in Providence, Rhode Island.
1811-1820