Rare and Important Embroidered and Painted Silk Mourning Picture, Sophia Morgan, Miss Abby Wright's School, South Hadley, Massachusetts, circa 1806

Worked in silk, silver metalic thread, chenille, wool, velvet applique and paint on silk; with ink on paper. The frame is labeled by Burr and Smith of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Betty Daniels, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 76, fig. 124)

Some discoloration; rippling of silk; tiny hole on church roof; in the original giltwood and gesso frame with Burr and Smith, Northampton framer's label.
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.

Sophia Morgan (1784-1807) was the daughter of Lucas Morgan (1743-1817) and Tryphena Smith of West Springfield. She dedicated her work to her mother and sister Theodosia, who died in 1792 and 1804, but the side of the plinth is inscribed This worked by SOPHIA, another Daughter, who died Feb. 21, 1807. Sophia, born June 1, 1784, was evidently attending school at the age of twenty or older. In 1804, Abby Wright remarked that most of her students were "from fourteen to twenty one years old and upwards," (For the history of her school, see ANTlQUES, September 1986, pp. 482-493). The frame is labeled by Burr and Smith of Northampton.

Sophia Morgan was one of nine children born to Lucas Morgan and Tryphena Smith (1745-1793).  Two more children were born to Lucas and his second wife. (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).