Quincy Watercolor-on-Velvet Memorial
Memorial watercolor on velvet, dated 1824 and inscribed to the memory of Mrs. Lucy Jillson.
This folk painting is executed in watercolor over a graphite drawing. Primarily in umber, blue and green, with the cream of the velvet, touched with blue, serving as clouds. This was a typical color palette among theorem paintings from this time. Text of inscription included below.
It was common in both memorial paintings and needlepoint memorials to have the printer/engraver’s notice attached or traced directly onto the work. By contrast, this sentimental tribute features a free-hand rendering of the obituary information.
A genealogical search of “Lucy Jillson” reveals: Lucy Saville(109) was born on 15 Sep 1797. She died on 15 Jul 1824 in Norwich, Connecticut. Parents: Samuel Saville. She was married to Seth Jillson on 28 Oct 1822. Children were: Seth Sherman Jillson. 25″H x 23″W
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