New England, dated 1774, needlework of silk on linen wrought by 16 year old Sally Simonds.
Neatly compartmentalized alphabets above an intriguing verse regarding a women’s role in early society just as the American Revolution was about to unfold. Beneath the verse are birds, sheep, and potted floral devices.
A WISH BY A LADY
I ask not wit nor beauty do I crave
Nor wealth nor pompous titles
Whish (sic) to have but since tis doomd (sic)
Thro (sic) all degrees of life whether a
Daughter Sister or a wife that
Female should the stronger males
Obey and yeild (sic) implicit to their
Lordly sway since this I say is evry (sic)
Womans (sic) fate give me a mind to
Suit my Slavish state.
The misspellings add to the story and speak to Sally's level of education at the time.
Well presented in a 19th century frame of about 20 inches tall x 10 wide. Excellent condition with a couple of trivial holes. It's all about the date and verse as it relates to women’s social status; scarcely found written in this period. Bold and perhaps brash in her commentary, particularly by one so young…a special object and of uncommon earliness.
Dealer | Don Olson |
Date: | |
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Inventory | View Dealer's Inventory |
Website | http://www.donolsonantiques.com |
Price | please call 585-385-9002 or email earlypieces@aol.com |
Contact | Don Olson, 585-385-9002 or earlypieces@aol.com |