Coverlet

Coverlet

1837
Artist
J. M. Davidson, American, 1814
Born: New Jersey
Active Years: 1836-1850
Country
United States
Object
coverlet
Medium
Woven wool and cotton
Accession Number
1962.37
Credit Line
Neusteter Textile Collection: Gift of Miss Mary Willsea

J. M. Davidson (American), Coverlet, 1837. Woven wool and cotton. Neusteter Textile Collection at the Denver Art Museum: Gift of Miss Mary Willsea, 1962.37

Dimensions
length: 87.75 in, 222.8850 cm; width: 82.25 in, 208.9150 cm
Inscription
CHARL / OTTE / SEELY. / J.M. / DAVIDSON / FANCY / WEAVER / LODI 1837
Department
Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion
Collection
Textile Arts and Fashion-American
From signed and dated coverlets we know that Davidson was a "fancy weaver" in New York between 1836 and 1850. This coverlet made for Charlotte Seeley combines a field pattern of lily wreaths and floral motifs with a patriotic border: set under an arc of stars, an array of spread-winged eagles clutch arrows in their claws and stand between fruiting trees and weeping willows.
Known Provenance
Gifted July 1962 by Mrs. Mary Willsea [Denver, CO, 1883-1964] to Denver Art Museum
Exhibition History
  • "Changing Seasons: Coverlets from the Museum’s Collection," May 22 - October 24, 2004 (DAM)

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