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View: In frame
Embroidered overmantel with original frame
Embroidered by: Eunice Bourne (born in 1732, died between 1773 and 1781)
American
Colonial
1745–50
Object Place: Boston, New England colonies, New England colonies
Medium/Technique
Linen plain weave, embroidered with wool, silk, metal-wrapped thread, and glass beads
Dimensions
63 x 129 cm (24 13/16 x 50 13/16 in.) (including frame)
Credit Line
Seth K. Sweetser Fund
Accession Number21.2233
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionEmbroidered overmantel with three scenes: spinning lady, fishing lady, and strolling couple. Worked in polychrome wool and silk in tent and knot stitches, with glass beads and metallic yarn. Original frame, wooden slats dividing scenes missing.
Provenance1745-1750, with Mercy Gorham (b. 1695 - d. 1782), Barnstable, MA [see note 1]; 1782, by descent through the family [see note 2]; 1921, Miss Perdie E. Phinney [see note 3]; 1921, sold by Phinney to the MFA for $600. (Accession date: October 6, 1921)
NOTES:
[1] Eunice Bourne (b. 1732 - d. 1773-1781), Barnstable, was the daughter of Mercy Gorham and Col. Sylvanus Bourne (b. 1694 - d. 1763). The piece remained in her mother's house after her marriage to Capt. John Gallison (b. 1731 - d. 1786) in 1754 with whom she had thirteen children.
[2] In 1782, Mercy Gorham probably willed the work to one of Eunice's daughters. According to the 1888 "Genealogical Notes of Barnstable Families", Ed. C.F. Swift: "To her granddaughter Abigail Gallison, her mother's work, called a chimney piece." (pg. 117)
[3] According to the MFA object card, Miss Phinney was a distant relative of Eunice Bourne. The "Genealogical Notes of Barnstable Families" notes that several paintings once owned by Sylvanus Bourne were in the possession of his ancestor, Major Sylvanus. B. Phinney. (pg. 118)
NOTES:
[1] Eunice Bourne (b. 1732 - d. 1773-1781), Barnstable, was the daughter of Mercy Gorham and Col. Sylvanus Bourne (b. 1694 - d. 1763). The piece remained in her mother's house after her marriage to Capt. John Gallison (b. 1731 - d. 1786) in 1754 with whom she had thirteen children.
[2] In 1782, Mercy Gorham probably willed the work to one of Eunice's daughters. According to the 1888 "Genealogical Notes of Barnstable Families", Ed. C.F. Swift: "To her granddaughter Abigail Gallison, her mother's work, called a chimney piece." (pg. 117)
[3] According to the MFA object card, Miss Phinney was a distant relative of Eunice Bourne. The "Genealogical Notes of Barnstable Families" notes that several paintings once owned by Sylvanus Bourne were in the possession of his ancestor, Major Sylvanus. B. Phinney. (pg. 118)