Fine and Rare Embroidered and Painted Silkwork Picture: Achilles at The Court Of Lycomedes, Wrought by Martha Hale at Susannah Rowson Academy, Boston, Massachusetts, 1816

stitched all over with silk threads on a silk ground, the faces painted most likely by John Johnston; in what appears to be the original black glass églomisé mat and period frame; together with a previously attached inscription, The piece represents Achilles at the Court of Lycomedes, a king of Syros an Island in the Aegean Sea when he (Achilles) was secretly placed by his Mother Thetis, disguised in a female dress to prevent him from going to the Trojan War, when she being a goddess, knew he was to perish, if he went.  As they could not be taken without the aid of Achilles, Ulysses went to the Court of Lycomedes in the habit of a Merchant, and enclosed jewels and arms ....  Achilles choosing the arms, discovered his ... and went to war.  This piece was wrought...Boston, Mas. A.D. 1816 by Martha Hale, artist...Given to Martha Hale  Aug 1870 - Boston. 

Overall very good condition
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