Rare Silk Embroidered Mourning Picture, Catherine Lansing, Albany, New York, dated 1801

Worked in silk, pencil and ink on silk. Inscribed on the glass, CL, 1801.

Howard Bliss, American Antiques, May 25, 1986.

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 94, fig. 150)

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.

Catharine Lansing (1783-1867) was the daughter of Abraham A. Lansing (1752-1822) of Albany and his first wife, Elsie Van Rensselaer (1758-1796). In the year of her mother's death, Catharine was enrolled at the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but this piece reveals that she was attending school close to home in 1801, for it belongs to a large group of printwork memorials made in or near Albany. In 1804, Catharine married her first cousin, Philip P. Van Rensselaer (1783-1827), and they lived in the Georgian mansion now known as Historic
Cherry Hill. Catharine and Philip had seven children; her second husband was John Fay, Jr. Embroideries she worked in Bethlehem are now at Historic Cherry Hill.