Needlework, "Liberty and Independence," 1816

01

Artifact Overview

Just after the War of 1812, Anna Moody Walker handmade this needlework depicting Lady Liberty amid symbols of American independence. Her delicate artwork incorporated watercolor, silk, sequins, and metallic thread from her grandfather's tailor shop. Walker may have selected this particular thread - used to repair British military uniforms in pre-Revolutionary Boston - to emphasize the piece's patriotic theme.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Needlework (Visual work)

Date Made

August 1816

Creator Notes

Made by Anna Moody Walker, possibly in Boston, Massachusetts.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

66.96.3.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Silk (Fiber)
Thread
Sequins (Spangles)
Watercolor (Paint)

Technique

Embroidering
Fancy sewing

Color

Blue

Dimensions

Width: 19.5 in

Inscriptions

Embroidered below image: Liberty and Independence. / Wrought By / Anna M. Walker August 1816