Images(4)

Workbag

Date1809 (dated)

Maker Sally Henry

OriginAmerica, Maryland, Worcester County

MediumWhite cotton embroidery on cotton, cotton tape and linen gusset

DimensionsOW: 12"; OH: 15"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2002-62

DescriptionThis is a white cotton embroidered purse or reticule with six worked tassels in the shape of bell flowers and a white cotton woven tape handle. The purse is finely embroidered in cotton with a variety of stitches. The obverse side of the purse consists of a central motif of a basket of flowers with small floral elements near the top. Centered near the top of the purse is the signature line, "Sally Henry/ 1809" worked in back stitch. Oval elements and sprigs worked in buttonhole, French knots, detached chain, detached eyelets, and satin stitches form an outer border. The outside edges are decorated with detached buttonhole stitches. The reverse of the purse consists of a central motif of a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, sprouting flowers with scattered floral and leaf elements. Oval elements and sprigs form an outer border.

Stitches: back, buttonhole and detached buttonhole, bullion knots, chain and detached chain, eyelet and detached eyelet, flat, French knots, satin, seed, stem, and "spider web"
Label TextThis white-worked purse or reticule, signed by Sally Henry in 1809, features skillfully embroidered, drawn, and cut flowers, leaves, basket, and cornucopia. The decorative edge worked in detached buttonhole stitches and the delicate tassels resembling the popular Maryland bell flowers (seen in furniture inlay of Maryland) combine with intricately embroidered motifs to create an exquisite work of art. A history of ownership in Maryland suggests that Sally Henry worked the purse in that state.
Markings"Sally Henry/ 1809"
ProvenanceThe purse has a history of ownership in Maryland. Sumpter Priddy, Inc. was told that the purse was purchased at auction from a group of material from a Baltimore/Mt. Airy family. Charlene Johnson of Sumpter Priddy, Inc. wrote: "While no specific maker has been identified, there is a Sarah Henry, born around 1790, documented to have married in 1815 a man from Worcester County, Maryland. Another Sally Henry is documented in Worcester County who would have been 46 in 1809 when this bag was made."