1800 - 1825 Elizabeth C. Nunn's "Liberty" Quilted Counterpane

After its adoption in 1782, the Great Seal of the United States became a popular design motif. An adaptation of the eagle design centers the top of this hand-woven cotton quilt that was block-printed in the early 19th century for a Mrs. Farris of Kentucky. Mrs. Farris’s daughter, Elizabeth C. Nunn, lined and interlined the top with cotton and stitched the layers together in a diamond quilting pattern.

Blocks for printing such bedcovers were of crudely carved wood, with individual motifs that could be arranged in a variety of designs. The color on this example, probably originally printed with Prussian blue, has faded from washings.

Elizabeth C. born in 1783 in Virginia, married William Nunn (1783-1822) in March 1805. Elizabeth died in Kentucky in 1871.

Quilted counterpane entirely block-printed in blue: An eagle with the work "Liberty" over its head, in an oval edged with scallops. Surrounding this is a larger ring of scallops, flowers, buds with leaves, and flying birds, all enclosed in a 1-7/8" printed border. Beyond this frame are pots of fruit and flowers, and a 4-1/2" geometric border. White cotton lining. Very thin cotton filling. Sewing thread is 2-ply S-twist linen; quilting thread is 2-ply S-twist cotton. Quilting pattern: 1" diagonal grid, 6 stitches/inch. Appears to have been marked and quilted from the back. No separate binding: front and lining turned in and whipped.

Currently not on view