Elizabeth Newsam, 1753
Elizabeth Newsam Sampler, 1753
Name/Title
Elizabeth Newsam, 1753Entry/Object ID
2011.2.1Tags
Colonial British America, Folk Costume, Pictorial needlework, Sampler, Canvas work, Counted-thread embroideryDescription
Elizabeth Newsam, Massachusetts, 1753Use
Canvaswork pictureContext
Elizabeth Newsam's canvaswork picture is closely related to that of Mary Upelbe's canvaswork picture dated 1767, which resides in the collection at Historic Deerfield. The exact same couple, in the same pose, standing on hillocks of flowers with huge blossoming plants growing up the sides is found on both girls' needlework. Historic Deerfield's example came with a provenance indicating it was from the Appleby family of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Both pieces have clear association with mid 18th century Boston canvaswork pictures, including ladies in vertically striped red dresses, and the specific handling of certain flower blossoms. Mary Upelbe's work is illustrated on page 255 in THE ANTIQUES TREASUREY OF FURNITURE AND OTHER DECORATIVE ARTS AT WINTERTHUR, WILLIAMSBURG, STURBRIDGE, FORD MUSEUM, COOPERSTOWN, DEERFIELD, AND SHELBURNE, edited by Alice Winchester (E.P. Dutton, 1959). Elizabeth signed her canvaswork picture, "Elizabeth Newsam February 6, 1753.Collection
ERS Sampler CollectionCategory
Canvaswork picture
Counted thread embroidery