(Note: A series of idioms): Pitch upon that course of life / which is the most excellent, / and habit will render it the / most delightful....... // Indulgent Parent of Mankind / From whom all blessing flow / grant me content of mind / tis all i ask below.// ....... Excess of ceremony shews / want of breeding. That civility / is best which excludes all / superfluous formality. // ...... He who wants good sense is / unhappy in having learning for / he has thereby more ways of / exposing himself // Complasance renders a superior / amiable, an equal agreeable and / an inferior acceptable. // Prosperity gains friends and / adversity tries them / Money , like , manure does / no good till it is spread // As a jewel of gold in a swines / snout so is a fair woman / which is without discretion / Prov ch // v 22 // (In a center medallion: He never / told a lie ) 1789 Below): Mary Varick New York //

Maker

Varick, Mary

Date made

1820-1835

Origin

New York

Stitches

Cross,

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

4 alphabets: 2 missing J, U and V transposed. Various cross bands with strawberries, honey suckle, scrolls and other narrow stitched lines. One panel with two stags, two butterflies, two unicorns, three trees, flowers and perched and flying birds. A center oval with a crown at the top, a bird in flight and a peacock on each side. Near center bottom an oval with a bust of Washington, an eagle with outstretched wings below, a cherry tree on each side and plants across the bottom. Reversing arcaded small flower border all four sides.

Inscription

(Note: A series of idioms): Pitch upon that course of life / which is the most excellent, / and habit will render it the / most delightful....... // Indulgent Parent of Mankind / From whom all blessing flow / grant me content of mind / tis all i ask below.// ....... Excess of ceremony shews / want of breeding. That civility / is best which excludes all / superfluous formality. // ...... He who wants good sense is / unhappy in having learning for / he has thereby more ways of / exposing himself // Complasance renders a superior / amiable, an equal agreeable and / an inferior acceptable. // Prosperity gains friends and / adversity tries them / Money , like , manure does / no good till it is spread // As a jewel of gold in a swines / snout so is a fair woman / which is without discretion / Prov ch // v 22 // (In a center medallion: He never / told a lie ) 1789 Below): Mary Varick New York //

Length Without Frame

19 3/4"

Width Without Frame

15"

Historical Owner

#52.100.39 Bequest of Mrs. J. Insley Blair in memory of Mr. & Mrs. J. Insley Blair, 1952

Owner

Museum of the City of New York, New York, NY

Owner Private

Museum of the City of New York