Collection Highlights
Punch bowl: Landing of Lafayette
1840-1850
1910.24
Earthenware
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Kerchief
Title
Kerchief
Date
1776-1777
Medium
Linen
Dimensions
Overall: 30 x 30 in. ( 76.2 x 76.2 cm )
Description
Cotton block-printed kerchief with a portrait of George Washington on horseback in center medallion, surrounded by an inscription and flags and cannons; floral border; red ink on a white ground.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. J. Insley Blair
Object Number
1952.63
Marks
printed: around medallion: "GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQ. FOUNDATOR AND PROTECTOR OF AMERICA'S LIBERTY AND JNDEPENDENCY"
Gallery Label
Likely printed by Philadelphia calico printer John Hewson, this kerchief was long believed to have been made at the personal request of Martha Washington in 1775. The reference to "America's Independency" indicates that the kerchief may have been printed shortly following the Declaration of Independence, while the absence of the official Stars and Stripes flag suggests a date before July, 1777. The kerchief has been described as an early attempt by George Washington at "image" management.
Bibliography
Ramirez, Jan Seidler. "A History of the New-York Historical Society." The Magazine Antiques 167 (2005): 138-145.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
