Rare and Important Embroidered and Painted Silk Mourning Picture: Sacred to the Memory of George Washington, Anonymous, probably Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1815

Worked in lustrous silk stitches on a brilliantly painted silk ground heightened with metallic threads, embroidered on the plinth SACRED to the Memory of WASHINGTON, OB^{t. 11 Decr. AD 1799/ AEt 68; glass replaced.}

The Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch sale, at Sotheby's, sale number 3595, January 23, 1974, lot 88.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 62, fig. 100)

Some minor loose threads, minor, small split in upper right. Replaced (old) glass and paper mat; one member of the frame replaced but matching. In very good condition – colors vibrant.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Elements from two Washington memorial prints may  be recognized here. The basic composition is much like Pater Patriae, engraved by Enoch G. Gridley after a now-lost painting by John Coles, Jr. Gridley's rather crude design, however, has been dramatically improved, or this composition was copied from an intermediate source. A similar plinth appears on John James Barralet's Apotheosis of Washington, including the incorrect death date of the inscription (for both prints, see ANTIQUES, February 1977, pp.325,329). The figure of Columbia with an eagle is unlike either engraving, but it is found on almost identical piece (Maine Antique Digest, December 1986, p.3-A) as well as on two otherwise different Washington memorials worked in the same technique (Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, and the Bayou Bend Collection, Houston, Texas). Here the portrait of Washington is painted on the main body of the silk.