VERY RARE AND IMPORTANT EMBROIDERED AND PAINTED SILKWORK PICTURE: THE LADY OF THE LAKE, GODFREY FOLWELL (1799-1855), PHILADELPHIA, CIRCA 1814 |

inscribed in the lower right, G Folwell del et pinxt / Philade.

Eleanor H. Gustafson, “Collector’s Notes,” vol. 130, no. 4, Magazine Antiques, p. 646, fig. 1.

Examination under UV light shows no signs or evidence of any in painting to the painted surface. There are a few small losses to the woven decoration each approximately 1 inch by half an inch; one of these appears in the man's proper left leg on his thigh, one appears above the left most hound and two appear in the background of the trees. There is some loss to the painted surface associated with rubbing as well as a few areas of discoloration. The signature appears in the lower right hand corner in the painted background beneath the woven leaves. There are other minor losses to the embroidery throughout as well as an old repaired 2 inch vertical tear to the lower right quadrant within the weeping willow. There is paint residue at the front of the boat that bleeds over onto the embroidered surface likely a flaw by the artist. There is no protective backing to the backside of the work.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This work is based off of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake, first published in 1810.  This scene was apparently a favorite of George Folwell who took over his father’s business after his death in 1813.  This example is one of only two known embroidery’s that are signed by George.  George Folwell soon abandoned this career and worked as a silver chaser, first in Baltimore, and finally in Philadelphia. For additional information on George Folwell and his father Samuel Folwell see Betty Ring, Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework, 1650-1850, (New York: A.A. Knopf, 1993), pp. 378-387, fig. 418.