Rare Embroidered and Painted Silk Mourning Picture: Sacred to Sarah Bulfinch, Portland, Maine, circa 1822

Worked in silk, chenille, paint, pencil and ink on silk, with paint on paper.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 78, fig. 127)

Damages at center; retains original stretcher; lacks frame.
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.

This damaged memorial is still attached to the frame on which it was worked . It is dedicated to the wife and two children of Portland merchant Noah Harding (1771-1833) and attributed to an unidentified daughter, for the verse begins:

Here let the orphan drop the filial tear
O'er the frail casket of a mother dear!

The penciled winged cherub with painted paper face resembles many others drawn on the urns of similar monuments and on the linen ground of Portland genealogical samplers.