Rare Embroidered and Painted Silk Mourning Picture: Sacred to the Memory of Josiah Torrey, Anonymous, probably Boston, circa 1800

Worked in silk and paint with pen and ink on silk; retains original frame and glass; the reverse with family history of Josiah Torrey and Cermenati & Monfrino Boston framer's label.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring (p. 65, fig. 105)

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.

Josiah Torrey (1720-1783), was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts and died in Abington, Massachusetts.  His father was a bricklayer and he waited table until he was given a scholarship to Harvard where he placed well up in his class.  For several years after his graduation he kept the Dedham school.  In 1748 he was preaching in the Old-Light Church of Plymouth.  Although offered several churches he declined and became a farmer.  He achieved this by his marriage in 1750 to Mary Pratt Brown, the widow of Rev. Samuel Brown of Abington.  Although twenty years his senior, she owned a comfortable farm and five slaves.  After her death he married, in 1774, Mary Goddard Dodge, the widow of Brown's successor, the Rev. Ezekiel Dodge.  By neither did he have children.  (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).

A related example, commemorating members of the Poole family of Abington, has been recorded (New York State Historical Association). Josiah Torrey was a minister of Abington, Massachusetts. The large anchor represents the Christian symbol of hope and is derived from the Epistle to the Hebrews, which refers to the everlasting virtue of God's council in these words: "Which Hope we had as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stead fast."