Needlework picture (Silkwork picture)

Description

This is a silk needlework picture worked with silk and metallic threads in 1773 by Mary Jennison of Salem, Massachusetts. Mary's handwritten family history was glued to the outside of the backboard, stating that she worked her needlework picture while in attendance at a boarding school in Salem, Massachusetts. Mary had an aunt who lived in Salem, and it was likely that Mary lived with her so that she could attend school there. The inside of the backboard is inscribed "& two for / this / S Blyth" suggesting that Samuel Blythe, who owned and operated a girl's school with his wife in Salem, may have framed Mary's picture. The picture is typical of other examples from Salem, Massachusetts. The long, crude, crinkly silk stitches are uncouched and worked on the diagonal over a black silk ground. This style, popular in Essex County from about the 1740's to the 1770's, was taught by several different teachers in the area during this time period.