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Fichu
Worn by: Elizabeth Hyslop (Sumner) (American, 1757–1810)
possibly European, used in America
first quarter of the 19th century
Place of Use: Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Place of Manufacture: possibly Europe
Medium/Technique
Silk plain weave with silk embroidery
Dimensions
Overall: 54 x 140cm (21 1/4 x 55 1/8in.)
Center back: 50.8 cm (20 in.)
Center back: 50.8 cm (20 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Emily Welles Robbins (Mrs. Harry Pelham Robbins) and the Hon. Sumner Welles, in memory of Georgiana Welles Sargent
Accession Number49.914
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsFashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionSheer white fichu with pointed scalloped edges embroidered with buttonhole stitching; embroidered wavy inner border with pointed stylized leaf motifs and dots with buttonhole edging; triangular insert at center back
InscriptionsWritten on label sewn to object: "This fichu probably belonged to Mrs. Increase Sumner [Elizabeth Hyslop Sumner, 1757-1810] about 1795"
ProvenanceAccording to family history, this was worn at the end of the 18th century by Elizabeth Hyslop Sumner (1757-1810), wife of Massachusetts Governor Increase Sumner (1746-1799); Inherited by Elizabeth Sumner's great-granddaughter Miss Georgiana Welles Sargent (born 1858) of New York City; Gift of Emily Welles Robbins (Mrs. Harry Pelham Robbins) and the Hon. Sumner Welles, in memory of Georgiana Welles Sargent, to MFA 1949