Crib or Doll Coverlet 1833 - 1836

This is a woven coverlet made by David Daniel Haring, rich in symbols reflecting both earthly joys and spiritual hopes. Notice the stylized birds, hearts, and stars scattered across the dark blue ground. Birds, often doves, are age-old symbols of peace and the soul, their flight evoking a connection between heaven and earth. Similarly, the heart, beyond romantic love, signifies charity and spiritual devotion. The stars, ubiquitous across cultures, guide travelers and symbolize divine light piercing through darkness. Consider how these motifs appear in medieval tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, and even ancient mosaics. They all speak to humanity's persistent longing for harmony and protection. These symbols, passed down through generations, resurface, and evolve, mirroring our collective memory. Just as they comforted infants in their cribs, these symbols awaken emotions linked to universal human experiences: love, guidance, and spiritual yearning.