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c. 1800 Printed Textile THE TEARS of AMERICA, Death of General George Washington

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
c. 1800 Printed Textile THE TEARS of AMERICA, Death of General George Washington
Washington Related
Historic “THE TEARS of AMERICA” Printed Textile Listed As Number 19 In "Threads of History”
c. 1800, American Cotton Printed Textile with legend, “THE TEARS of AMERICA,” Commemorating the Death of General George Washington, Print on Fine White Cotton Fabric, Very Fine.
"Threads of History” 19. Collins 19. This impressive and exceedingly rare original historic textile measures 20” x 21.” It was made by “Jno. Maclie & Co. Glasgow,” shortly after George Washington’s death. It is designed with a Mourning scene with a large central Funeral Urn, a Tomb of Washington having a pyramid style monument, with two female allegorical figures representing America, “Columbia” in sorrow with a Liberty Cap on pole, with “Justice” at right who is pointing to the monument and an angel above, on off-white cotton cloth.

This museum quality piece depicts Washington’s tomb with eight different boxed cartouches surround the scene, each of which lavish eulogies in praise of Washington. Overall, the condition is exceptional and excellent for a textile of this type and period. There are a couple of minor 1” separations and minor scattered light tan humidity staining on the main image which do not distract significantly.

This is an extremely rare textile, only the first that we have ever offered over the past three decades. It is listed as Number 19 in "Threads of History: Americana Recorded on Cloth 1775 to the Present," published by the Smithsonian Institution. An important opportunity for collectors of George Washington memorabilia and historic American textiles. We sold a similar c. 1800 printed George Washington memorial textile of the same size and vintage, which was listed as item Number 21 in “Treads,” which sold in our EAHA Auction of February 14, 2009, Lot 209, for $12,980. A significant opportunity to acquire a remarkable, exceedingly rare and important historic George Washington memorial that is currently framed for display.