Curtain valances

1783

Place madeEngland, Europe

Fiberboard, cotton, wood

Overall (a): 8 1/2 in. × 39 in. × 2 1/4 in. (21.6 × 99.1 × 5.7 cm)
Overall (b): 8 1/2 × 38 3/4 × 2 1/4 in. (21.6 × 98.4 × 5.7 cm)
Overall (c): 8 1/2 in. × 48 in. × 2 1/4 in. (21.6 × 121.9 × 5.7 cm)

Gift of Mrs. Richard W. Meade, Sr.

1942.241a-c

Originally, these valances came to the Society as a single piece of yardage (56" x 30"). In 1946, the Society used the textile to make these valances for the cornices of the Beekman bedroom.

DescriptionFiberboard curtain valances covered with a cotton copper-engraved textile with a personification of America presenting medallions with images of George Washington and his staff to a personification of Liberty on an altar holding a staff topped by a liberty cap, with George Washington being crowned with laurel wreath by a winged-Victory and cupids in clouds above; printed in red on a white ground; wooden support across the interior of the valance.

Markingsprinted: all over: "WASHINGTON AND/ INDEPENDENCE/ AMERICA PRESENTING AT THE/ ALTER OF LIBERTY MEDALLIONS/ OF HER ILLUSTRIOUS SONS/ GEN GATES/ GEN REED/ GEN WASHINGTON/ B. FRANKLIN/ ..."

ClassificationsTEXTILES