The old frame on this one is tattered. You'll have to do some restoration if you want it to be perfect, or frame it over. But it's the original frame and the original bubble-in laid glass, which has its black back-painted (eglomise) glazing still with it, and upon which is the signature of the young girl who completed this complicated and wonderful embroidery. She was Maria L. Dickenson. We don't know how old she was, but the work is done in very tiny and elegant stitches and would indicate she was over 10 years old. Girls in that time were not taught reading or math, but were taught lady's arts like embroidery, sewing, clothing, manners, music, voice. Those things that would eventually make her suitable as a wife. With a little research, you might learn more about what became of young Maria L. Dickenson.
Very good to excellent condition on the needlework. No holes, no losses, beautifully created in wool and silk yarns of fine gauge. More to a petit point or micro point. The palette of colors remains rich, and not really indicative of any fading. Delicate working in the skirt creates a folded fabric, and the perspective adds to the feeling of depth. As you can see, the old mill-sawn wood backing boards remain. I wasn't able to photograph the stitches from the back to show you how close to original yarn colors this one is, but it's quite vibrant and lively, as you can see. It might well be a self-portrait. The girls often painted the canvas first and then worked the yarns. A very talented young lady, indeed. Measurements are noted on the photos.
