Quincy Watercolor-on-Velvet Memorial

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

Consecrated
to the
Memory 
of 
Mrs. Lucy Jillson
"Consort of Mr. Seth Jillson
daughter of Dr. Josiah Savil of
Quincy who died July 1824
In the 27 year of her Age
"Farewell mild saint child of love farewell
Ill can this stone thy fin'st virtues tell
Go live for Heavens of eternal year is thine
Go and exalt the mortal to divine
Where joy divine and unembittered flow
Where love, and endless pleasures flow"

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