Perkins Family Coat of Arms
EmbroidererAttributed to
Charlotte Perkins
American, 1790 - 1873
TeacherProbably taught by
Patten school
American, 1785 - 1825
Date1810-1815
MediumEmbroidery; silk and metallic thread, and chenille yarn on a satin-woven silk ground; glass, gilt paint and wood
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 25 5/8 x 21 1/2in. (65.1 x 54.6cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Helen L. Perkins
DescriptionPerkins Family Coat of Arms worked in shades of dark medium and light green, blue green, cream, red and white silk thread, brown, blue and green chenille yarn, and silver and gold metallic threads, on a cream satin-woven silk ground, using a satin stitch and other stitches. At the top is a silver eagle with outstretched wings clutching a swagged garland of roses and leaves in its beak. Below this is a pineapple at the top of a tapered shield. The shield, sewn with silver metallic thread and chenille yarn, contains a chevron with a lion above and three horse's heads below. The shield is surrounded by a wreath of laurels. Beneath the shield are three banners; two contain the hand-written ink inscription of "VIRTUE ALONE" and "ENNOBLES", while the third is embroidered in metallic thread with "PERKINS". At the bottom is a curved stalk holding wheat embroidered in gold metallic thread. The eagle, lion and each horse's head are stitched in relief with a padded satin stitch. The coat of arms is in its original gold painted wooden frame; the frame has ogee molding that contains a rope-twist strand.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is the long and short stitch; it also includes padded satin, and encroaching satin.
Condition: The needlework has been re-matted and re-installed in its original wooden frame. The silk threads are faded slightly.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is the long and short stitch; it also includes padded satin, and encroaching satin.
Condition: The needlework has been re-matted and re-installed in its original wooden frame. The silk threads are faded slightly.
Object number1949.5.0
InscribedBeneath the shield are three banners; two contain the hand-written ink inscription of "VIRTUE ALONE" and "ENNOBLES", while the third is embroidered in metallic thread with "PERKINS".NotesAttribution Note: The silk needlework is attributed to the Patten school because the motif of an eagle clutching a garland in its beak are common to embroideries and paintings done by students of the Patten School in Hartford. (Hunt 2/7/2007)Collections
- Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840
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