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Coverlet 1986.609.11
Woven Doublecloth Coverlet, "Agriculture & Manufactures" by Unknown Maker
Coverlet 1986.609.11

Woven Doublecloth Coverlet, "Agriculture & Manufactures" by Unknown Maker

Date1825-1835
OriginAmerica, New York, Dutchess County (attributed to)
MediumDark blue wool with white cotton
DimensionsWidth: 81 1/2" no fringe; Length/ Height: 91" no fringe.
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.
Object number1986.609.11
DescriptionThis is a double-woven coverlet worked in dark blue wool and white cotton; center-seamed; no fringes; and rolled-over hems at top and bottom. The lower corners show lettering above and to the side of a flower on a stalk with two large leaves:"AGRICUL/TURE & MAN/UFACTURES/ARE THE FOUND/ATION OF/OUR INDE/PENDENCE." The lower border is a repeat of spread eagles behind shields flanked by two very small, very stylized animals (a monkey and stag or rabbit?) and alternating with paired columns beneath a Masonic compass, the whole beneath a double arch of eighteen stars and eight 3-leaf clover shapes. The side borders repeat some motifs from the bottom but the eagles here are condensed in height and alternate not only with the Masonic emblems but also with a large steeple -shaped building, the whole gathered under a double arch of nineteen stars and eight 3-leaf clover shapes. The "monkeys" do not appear here, and the "stags" are unrecognizable shapes. The interior consists of four whole and two half large floral medallions interspersed with smaller floral designs and all over a dotted ground. In the lower left corner worked in cross-stitch in white cotton thread are initials "S V G" followed by a diamond shape.
Label Text"Agriculture & Manufactures" was a popular pattern used by more than one weaver. Although the border and centerfield designs closely resemble those on James Alexander's coverlets, the "Agriculture" coverlets were not woven by him.
InscribedWoven into both lower corner blocks is "AGRICUL/TURE & MAN/UFACTURES/ARE THE FOUND/ ATION OF/OUR INDE/PENDENCE."
MarkingsIn the lower left corner worked in cross-stitch in white cotton thread are the initials "S V G" followed by a diamond shape.
ProvenanceNo history of ownership prior to donor's is known. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.