Needlework Picture, "AN AERIAL SCENE," by Mary Rees

Date1828

Maker Mary Rees (active ca. 1827)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, Upper Providence

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground 30 x 30 threads per inch (Fiber identification by eye)

Dimensions10" x 8 ½"

Credit LinePurchase partially funded by Friends of the Textile Collection

Object number2006.601.1

DescriptionThis is a needlework picture worked in white, blue, green, brown, yellow, gold, and black silk embroidery threads on a linen ground entitled "AN AERIAL SCENE." The signature and date "MARY REES 1828" appears at the bottom of the picture in bright silk embroidery threads worked in half cross.

Stitches: back stitch, cross, double cross, half cross, running, satin, and stem
Label TextClearly inspired by a contemporary print source of fauna, this embroidery depicts an unusual needlework format of four birds perched on tree branches. The picture joins an earlier 1827 sampler of a barnyard scene by Mary Rees in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. Like Mary's sampler, "AN AERIAL SCENE" is bordered in black stitches to imitate a reverse painted glass mat. The title, date, and signature are worked in bright threads to mimic a more expensive gold leaf inscription. The picture is attributed to the teacher Elizabeth Robinson whose name appears on Mary Rees's sampler. At least eight works are attributed to this school.
InscribedThe inscription worked in bright yellow silk embroidery threads in half cross, "AN AERIAL SCENE. MARY REES 1828," appears at the bottom of the picture.
ProvenanceAcquired by Stephen and Carol Huber, Old Saybrook, CT, for Colonial Williamsburg from Pook & Pook, Inc., Sale, September 23 & 24, 2006, (Lot # 291).
Sold as Lot # 814 in Sotheby's FINE AMERICANA Sale (#6269), January 23, 24, and 25, 1992.