Images(2)

"Cutwork Family Tree"

Date1832

Artist/Maker Clarissa Ann Viele (active ca. 1832)

OriginAmerica, New York or Pennsylvania

MediumWove paper with printed black and gold paper medallion

DimensionsUnframed: 7" x 8 3/16" and Framed: 9 11/16" X 10 5/8"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore T. Gore

Object number1982.306.1

Label TextThe cut and applied gold foil medallion at upper center of this cutwork family tree is believed to have served as a frame for an image of Clarissa Ann Viele at one time. Other cutwork compositions incorporating miniature likenesses are known, and the supposition in this instance is substantiated by a backboard description that reads, "The Viele Family Tree/made by my grandmother, Clarrisa [sic] Ann Viele (Murphy)/(my mother's mother)/Insert is her picture/My great grandmother/M. Kip."

Clarissa Ann Viele was the daughter of Jacob Viele and Catherine Boyd of Cameron, New York. Clarissa's cutwork piece was completed in 1832 and lists the initials of many of her Viele family relatives. In 1837 she married Jeremiah Murphy of Illinois in New York and the couple then moved to Lee, Illinois where they had three daughters; Elizabeth, Mary and Catherine.
MarkingsIn the cutwork in the lower margin is "1832. CLARISSA. ANN. (the "N"s are backward) VIELE. SEP. 30" Cut within the left round shape on the ground are the initials: "R.V/M.V"; and within the right one: "J.V/J.V." Within the left heart are cut the initials: "J.V/JV.CV/ C.V" (the "P" and "B" are backwards); in the right heart is "C.V/AV.JV/DV.GV/R.V." The printed gold letters "H" and "S" were applied near the ground line. In pencil on the backboard is inscribed: "The Viele Family ‚ Tree/made by my grandmother/Clarrisa (sic) Anne Viele (Murphy)/(my mother's mother)/ Insert is her picture/My great grandmother/M Kip."
ProvenanceGift of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore T. Gore, West Dover, Vt. It is not known whether Gores acquired directly from "M Kip" or not. Attempts to obtain "M Kip's" complete name and address have been fruitless. Origin: possibly New England.