Washington Related
“The Death of General Washington” Exceedingly Rare Printed Textile Item Number 21 In "Threads of History”
c. 1800, American Cotton Printed Textile titled, "The Death of General Washington," After the historic original engraving by Amos Doolittle, Brown Print upon Cloth Linen Fabric, Framed, Fine.
This original, historic American made Printed Textile is in dark brown on off-white cloth, measures 21” x 19” being framed to an overall size of 26” x 24”. It was produced in Philadelphia, by Pember & Luzarder, shortly after George Washington’s death in December of 1799. This famous American textile is designed after an engraving by Amos Doolittle of New Haven, Connecticut.

This important, historic textile depicts George Washington on his deathbed. He is attended to by his Doctors Craik and Dick, as Martha Washington sits at the foot of his bed. Six different ornate cartouches surround the scene, with lavish praise of Washington. The condition is whole and complete in appearance with various scattered problems. There are a number of small ink erosion splits, mostly where the design is most heavily inked, particularly at the various outer and design borders. There are some minor expected tone which does not distract significantly, as the entire fabric is a fairly even light tan overall. This entire textile is centered upon a white silk backing within the frame. It has not been taken out of its frame for inspection due to its fragile nature. All of the text and the large central designs are quite bold and clear having a complete overall appearance for display.

This is an extremely rare textile. It is only the fifth specimen that we know of recorded over the past several decades. Listed as No. 21 in the major reference book entitled "Threads of History: - Americana Recorded on Cloth 1775 to the Present," published by the Smithsonian Institution. A previously offered example of this textile design was sold in our EAHA Auction of February 14, 2009, Lot 209, being burgundy in color on off-white Linen, graded Choice Very Fine, selling for $12,980. An important opportunity for George Washington collectors and historic early American Textiles. Shown as it would appear once matted for display.