Woven Doublecloth Coverlet
Date1839
Artist/Maker
Harry Tyler
(1801-1858)
MediumWool and cotton warp and weft
DimensionsOverall: 89 x 80 1/2in. (226.1 x 204.5cm)
Credit LineGift of Lucretia Irene Elderkin
Object number1978.609.10
DescriptionThis red wool and natural colored cotton doublecloth coverlet is woven with random snowflake and medallion motifs. There is a 9 1/2" wide border with trees and picket fence on the sides and lower edge. Woven into both lower corner blocks is "LUCRETIA ANN/SMITH/1839." "JEFFERSON. CO. NY." is woven into the upper edge of the foot border. The corner blocks are stylized lions, symbol of weaver Harry Tyler from Jefferson Co. N.Y.Label TextHarry Tyler, a prolific and innovative weaver working in Jefferson County, New York, made this coverlet for Lucretia Ann Smith in 1839. Typical of Tyler's work, the coverlet features stylized trees and picket fences in the bottom and side borders and intricate lacy medallions in the centerfield. Tyler is best known among students of American coverlet weaving for his corner block motifs of distinctive foursquare lions. Today, coverlets with lion designs are often mistakenly attributed to Tyler, although other weavers wove examples with lion motifs.
InscribedWoven into both lower corner blocks is "LUCRETIA ANN/SMITH/1839," and "JEFFERSON. CO. NY." is woven into the upper edge of the foot border.
MarkingsWoven into both lower corner blocks is "LUCRETIA ANN/SMITH/1839," and "JEFFERSON. CO. NY." is woven into the upper edge of the foot border.
ProvenanceOwnership prior to the donor's is unknown.
1845 (dated)
1846 (dated)
