Embroidered coverlet 1770

This 1770 embroidered coverlet, created by Mary Breed (1751–1787), showcases a range of floral and avian motifs. Executed in colorful silks on a linen ground, the piece features a central design of two stylized trees with birds, surrounded by an array of smaller floral sprigs. The meticulous stitching and intricate details demonstrate Breed's skill in embroidery, a popular craft among women in 18th-century America. The coverlet is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, providing insight into colonial-era domestic textile production.