Rare Embroidered and Painted Silk Mourning Picture, Anonymous, Mary Balch's School, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1820

Worked in silk, chenille, and paint on silk; embroidered on the monument; In memory of, Mrs. Henrietta S. Smith, Wife of Mr. Martin Smith...

G. W. Samaha, Milan, Ohio, June 6, 1983

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 92, fig. 147); Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee: Needlework in the Education of Rhode Island Women, 1730-1830 at the Rhode Island Historical Society, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (p.182, fig. 86)

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.

The fashion for decorated glass mats began to fade in the 1820s and the massive frame on this embroidery reflects the heaviness of the emerging Empire style. Possibly a sister of Henrietta Baker Smith worked this memorial at Mary Balch's school. Martin Smith was a
Providence grocer.