Lot 37 email save

RHODE ISLAND SAMPLER.

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RHODE ISLAND SAMPLER.
Dorcas G. Babcock, South Kingston, Washington County, 1826, silk on linen. It is not known if the unconventional sidewise placement of the verse was ten year-old Dorcas or her teacher's idea. The rest of her work is in the tradition of Quaker samplers; pairs of birds, "W" basket, potted flowers and the lettering style. Exceedingly long tailed lions face each other from opposite corners and little birds perched on the vining floral border. She signed her work " Dorcas G. Babcock's Sampler done in the 10th year of her age" and included what maybe her teacher's initials, "MD", on the bottom. Bright colors. Minor toning. Conservation mounted and framed. 17 1/4"h. 21"w.

The oldest child and only girl of Hezekiah Babcock (1784-1870) and Dorcas Peckham (ca.1790-1859), Dorcas was born February 23, 1816, three years after her parents' marriage. She spent her entire life in South Kingston. Dorcas is listed as single, living with a brother and his family in the South Kingston 1870 census, her occupation given as dressmaker. She died at 87 in 1903.

Historical research accompanies the lot.

Condition: In older wooden frame. Slight toning on edges and area in center. The brown silk in the lions have darked the linen in the corners.

Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by our Conditions of Sale.

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