Name/Title
Knot of LoveEntry/Object ID
2009.20.2Description
Geometric patterned watercolor and love poem, 1816, Guilford, VT. Called a "knot of love"
In the center of the piece is a red heart surrounded with green and beige circles that stylistically forms a diamond [a square on end]. There are four triangles about 1.13" from each side of the diamond. Those triangles are beige and green. The border around the design consists of uniform straight lines with short inward juts (about 1" x 1"); two per side. Color highlights the borders too. Red/orange, blue, green and beige. Writing that is difficult to read weaves its way through the piece. I'm not sure if it begins in the center with "I send..." or ends there and begins along the outside edge with "A true loves knot..."Type of Painting
PaperContext
A lover's knot or "True Lover's Knot" became a popular form of courting in the late 18th and early 19th century. Based on illuminated letters and designs from the area that is now Germany, the practice seemed to take hold first in southeast Pennsylvania. The practice was adopted from people of German descent by the English Quaker population and from there to other parts of the United States, though they are more rare outside of the mid-Atlantic. Usually written and designed by a young man, the complex romantic poem can be read in a number of ways depending on where you start reading within the work. Geometric designs, hearts, and color forms fill out these enchanting works.
Though often associated with Valentine's Day, these notes were sent throughout the year. This particular lover's knot was sent in November of 1816 within the town of Guilford.Acquisition
Accession
2009.20Source or Donor
Crouch, Milton H.Acquisition Method
BequestCredit Line
Estate of Milton H. CrouchMade/Created
Date made
1816Place
Town
GuilfordCounty
Windham CountyState/Province
VermontCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
PaintingNomenclature Class
ArtNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Height
15 inWidth
15 inDepth
1-1/16 in