Woven Doublecloth Coverlet
Date1849
Artist/Maker
F. Hesse
(active at least 1843-1849)
MediumDark blue wool and white cotton
DimensionsLength/Height: 86" w/o fringe; 89 1/2" with fringe; Width: 79" w/o fringe, 83" with fringe.
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.
Object number1978.609.8
DescriptionThis blue and white coverlet is center-seamed and double-woven, with a self-fringe at sides and bottom. The central design of the coverlet consists of floral sprays; the side borders are a repeating pattern of single flowers, and the bottom border is of confrontal giraffes standing either side of a triangular branched tree. These giraffes alternate with a three-story house flanked by flowering trees with a bird perched on one branch. The bottom corner blocks bear the inscription of: "1849/F.HESSE". The coverlet is unfringed along top edge.Label TextThe whimsical giraffes in the coverlet's border appear to be standing in a neighborhood of domestic houses. The distinctive vermiculate background pattern in this coverlet resembles wavy lines or worm tracks.
MarkingsWoven into each lower corner block is "1849/F. HESSE."
ProvenanceNo ownership prior to the donor's is known.
