Embroidered coverlet 1770

This embroidered coverlet was crafted by Mary Breed in 18th century America. It's more than just a pretty bed covering; it's a window into the lives and social expectations of women in colonial society. Needlework was considered an essential skill for women, demonstrating their refinement and domestic abilities. Motifs like floral arrangements, birds, and trees of life, all rendered in bright colors, were popular choices, often drawn from pattern books or personal observation. But they also tell a story of trade routes and cultural exchange, as these designs often had origins in Europe and Asia. The coverlet likely reflects Breed’s personal circumstances. As historians, we might examine family records, probate inventories, and other textiles from the period to better understand the work. By studying pieces like this, we see how artistic expression was intertwined with everyday life and social structures. The meaning of this coverlet is thus contingent on its historical and institutional context.