Rare Embroidered and Painted Silk Picture: Indulgent Fancy, Lydia Eames, Mrs. Saunders & Miss Beach's Academy, Dorchester, Massachusetts, circa 1805

Worked in silk and paint on silk; inscribed in white and gilt glass mat, wrought by Lydia Eames at Mrs. Saunders & Miss Beaches' Academy. In the original giltwood and gesso frame and glass.

Sotheby's, The Channing Hare Sale, sale 3134, December 12, 1970, lot 35.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art  (p. 70, fig. 115)

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.

Shakespeare was rarely a subject of American mourning embroideries although a favorite of English schoolgirls. The white glass mat and pink and gold border motif are typical of the shop of John Doggett of Roxbury, whose ledger records the purchase of many frames by Mrs. Saunders and Miss Beach between September 3, 1804, and May 26, 1809. Lydia Eames (1792-1819) was the daughter of Samuel Eames (c. 1752-1829) and Lydia Dodge of Boston; she died unmarried.