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Crazy quilt
American
1880–90
Medium/Technique
Pieced printed cotton plain weave
Dimensions
Height x width: 88 x 97 1/2 in. (223.5 x 247.7 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated from the Estate of Gretchen Stone Cook
Accession Number2006.1859
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Fashion and Textiles
DescriptionPictorial crazy quilt pieced from printed cotton fabrics featuring portraits of president James A. Garfield, Santa Claus, Aesthetic figures and vegetables, children, and animals. Image of President Garfield taken from a photograph with quote: "James Garfield for President/ Union Forever." Head photo in brown and white, surrounded by garland and American flag motif. Figure of Santa Claus is dressed with fur trim, fur hat, blue pants, tall boots, and carrying an armful of toys and an American flag with quote: "Santa Claus, His eyes how they twinkle! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were so rosy, his nose like a cherry." Black on white ground image of a balloon seller with 3 children and a dog and brown on white ground of a cock and heir surrounded by a pigeon, owl, duck, swan, goldfinch, bullfinch, ostrich, raven, wren, turkey, eagle, and parrot.
ProvenanceDealer purchased from an Essex, MA antique dealer who purchased it from an estate sale. MFA purchase October 25, 2006.