Nancy Emery, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, 1834
Nancy Emery was born to George Emery and Nancy (nee: Mcintosh) Emery on 5 Oct 1821 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, (a suburb of Boston), the oldest of ten children. Her sampler, executed 13 years later, embodies the influences that the samplers from not only Boston, but near environs . . . Salem, Marblehead, Danvers, Beverly, Lynn, Haverhill, and Townsend are recognized for, and home to a number of female academies that produced some of the most exciting groups of American embroideries.
On 8 Oct 1843, Nancy married George Green. After many attempts to have children, none of whom survived except daughter, Fanny , Nancy died 16 Jan 1857 in Westfield, Hampden County, MA and is buried there.
One distinguishing characteristic from this body of work, called the "Salem Style", is the use of crinkled silk floss, worked in uncouched satin stiches of exceptional length, often in diagonal directions. This luxurious floss came into this area as a consequence of trade with China and was used with great effect by schoolmistresses in the Essex County area. The resulting needlework was of uncommon richness and luster. It is believed that this technique originated in Salem and was carried on over a period of time by many teachers in the area. Wide borders with sawtooth ribs are another characteristic of this area.
Nancy's sampler is the embodiment of that body of work. Her composition features three alphabets and the most wonderful presentation of Roses and Rose Buds. It is most likely from Essex County/Boston area and must stand on its own merits, which it does admiringly. It is bold, yet soft in the color palate of creams, golds, ivory, and light and dark green. It is artistically conceived and impeccably worked . . . A fine example of an early 19th century schoolgirl needlework sampler from Massachusetts. Worked in silk on linen, conservation mounted into a molded black frame and protected with Tru-Vue Glass for future generations to admire. Size is 16-1/2" x 17".
$3500.00
RK24G29879
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