Woven Doublecloth Coverlet

Date1830 (dated)

MediumCotton and Wool

DimensionsOL: 91.5" OW: 73" (no fringe)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Samuel Schwartz

Object number1976.609.5

DescriptionThis is a woven coverlet in a double weave technique of blue and cream color wool and cotton. It is made up of two woven panels center seamed. The centerfield consists of large round floral motifs alternating with diamond shaped floral motifs. This is surrounded on all four sides by a border that consists of eagles with stars overhead, columns with a square and compass above them and buildings. The four corner blocks have a woven inscription which reads "AGRICUL/ TURE & MAN/ UFACTURES/ ARE THE FOUND/ ATION OF/ OUR INDE/ PENDENCE/ JULY 4/ 1830" Woven in a border at the bottom and top edge of the coverlet is "H. E. DEGROFF". The top and bottom edges have rolled hems and the two long sides have selvage edges.
The weaver is unidentified.
Label TextOver the years, the numerous coverlets worked in this design occasionally have been ascribed to either James Alexander (1770-1870) of Orange County, New York, or to James Cunningham (1797? - after 1864) of Oneida County, New York, both of whom used similar patterns. However, it is now believed that the "Agriculture & Manufactures" bedcovers were created by two or more different, still unidentified weavers working in Dutchess and Ulster counties in New York State.

The Dutchess County group of " Agriculture & Manufactures" covers is generally dated 1825 - 1830 and includes small figures of a monkey, a goat or a deer, and a man within the border design. (The animals appear in the foot border, the men in the side borders.) Many of these bedcovers appear to have been made for residents of the Poughkeepsie and Fiskill areas.

A related group of coverlets made for Ulster County residents lacks the tiny figures and is generally dated after 1830 but is otherwise very similar to the Dutchess County group. The nationalistic inscriptions on both types generally include "July 4" but with varying year dates.

InscribedWoven into the corner block: "AGRICUL/ TURE & MAN/ UFACTURES./ ARE THE FOUND/ ATION OF/ OUR INDE/ PENDENCE/ JULY 4./ 1830" Woven into the bottom border: "H. E. DEGROFF"
MarkingsWoven into the corner block: "AGRICUL/ TURE & MAN/ UFACTURES./ ARE THE FOUND/ ATION OF/ OUR INDE/ PENDENCE/ JULY 4./ 1830" Woven into the bottom border: "H. E. DEGROFF"
ProvenanceOwnership of this piece is not known prior to that of the donor.

The weaver of the coverlet is unidentified.