Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Prudence Punderson



Prudence Punderson was a young woman in Preston, Connecticut, around 1780.  She embroidered this picture showing herself as a baby, as a young woman and in death.  It is one of the earliest pieces to include an African American woman as part of a wealthy family's domestic scene.  The Connecticut Historical Society staff member who showed it to me said with pride that this is exceptionally fine sewing.

21 comments:

Malyss said...

As I practise embroidery and quilting,I can admire the work here; Beautiful, and moving too!

Cezar and Léia said...

Lovely painting representing moments of life!Really touching!
Léia

Tanya Breese said...

i like this piece a lot!

brattcat said...

it's exceptionally fine in many ways.

EG CameraGirl said...

The workmanship appears to be exceptional indeed. And the piece appears to be in very good condition too,

Kate said...

Prudence is a perfect name for that era. Embroidery is a fine art and am happy that this wonderful piece has been preserved, appreciated and admired.

Sharon said...

It is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.

Birdman said...

SEW what? Grin!

Lois Evensen said...

Fascinating art. I am sure she felt it was her story for the future and here we are enjoying it as we learn about her. Love it.

Sylvia K said...

How wonderful to see something like this -- particularly for those of us who've done similar work -- well, attempted to anyway at least in my case!! Great post for the day, Jack!

Leslie D. said...

Such fine work. The antithesis of Jackson Pollock on the instant gratification scale.

RedPat said...

It's lovely Jack!

Lowell said...

I don't understand the skills involved in making something like this but I certainly respect those who have them!

Michelle said...

Such a fine piece of history. I cannot imagine sitting down and creating something like this.

Randy said...

Nice piece of work.

Taken For Granted said...

Great piece of needlework. Surprising to have beginning, middle and end of life shown in one picture.

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Stefan Jansson said...

I know nothing about embroidering but it is great to see her interpretation from all those years ago.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I used to do crossstitch, so I can appreciate the workmanship that's gone into this piece Jack.

VP said...

An unusual kind of art!

LONDONLULU said...

What a treasure - a walk through a life, the inclusion of the African American woman. Exceptional indeed.

William Kendall said...

It looks like very fine needlework!