Forster, Sarah Vose (1795-1851)

Maker: Forster, Sarah Vose (1795-1851)
Date made: ca. 1810-1825
Origin: MA (?) US
Stitches: Satin, French knot
In Bolton & Co.: No
Foundation Cloth: Silk
Embroidery Thread: Silk, Chenille, Watercolor
Predominent Motif: Paul & Virginia, by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, tells the story of a boy and girl who grew up on Mauritius, away from the destructive influence of society. After a visit to France, Virginia, now corrupted by societal expectations, drowns when she refuses to take her dress off after falling overboard. This needlework scene shows Paul, who remains uncorrupted, moved to pray on what he does not realize is the very spot Virginia was buried. The narrator and the narrator?s slave, who accompany him are so moved by his piety that they kneel to pray as well. The novel was extremely popular, and scenes from it were rendered in virtually every medium.
Inscription: (At the bottom of the frame): PAUL & VIRGINIA / Sara V. Forster //
Length Without Frame: 17 1/4"
Length With Frame: 24 1/4"
Width Without Frame: 15"
Wdith With Frame: 23"
Historical Owner: #1979.601.5 Gift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family
Owner: Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
Owner Private: Colonial Williamsburg