Embroidered whitework coverlet 1810 - 1815

This embroidered whitework coverlet was created in the United States in the early nineteenth century by Ann (Nancy) Elliott Grigg. The intricate floral patterns demonstrate a refined skill in needlework, a common accomplishment for women of the time. But the creation of such a piece also reflects the social and economic structures of the era. During this period, women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, and skills like embroidery were both a creative outlet and a demonstration of their ability to manage a household. The time and resources required to produce such a detailed coverlet suggest a degree of economic comfort. The coverlet could have been made for her marriage bed. To fully appreciate this artwork, one might delve into historical archives, exploring women's education, social expectations, and economic activities in the early 1800s. Such research highlights how art is always embedded within a specific social and institutional context.