Ann Elizabeth Gebler Folwell's School and Godrey Folwell

Queen of Sheba

1818

Scroll

Embroiderer: Ann Elizabeth Gebler Folwell’s School
Artist after Samuel Folwell: Godrey Folwell

Queen of Sheba

1818

Physical Qualities Silk ground; silk, silk chenille, and wool embroidery threads; metallic purl and sequins; glass beads and gems, paint, 27 1/2 x 34 in. (69.9 x 86.4 cm.)

Credit Line Purchase with exchange funds from Gift of Mrs. George A. Bunting, Gift of H.D. Caplan, and Gift of Judge Irwin Untermyer

Object Number 1992.124

This showpiece in late neoclassical style depicts the Old Testament story of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to the court of the wealthy and wise King Solomon. Created in the Philadelphia school of Anne Elizabeth Gebler Folwell (1773–1824), the scene was originally drawn by her husband Samuel, a professional artist. Following Samuel Folwell’s death in 1813, his son Godfrey reworked the design and painted in the faces and background of this and other embroideries made under his mother’s tutelage. The student embroiderer displayed exceptional skill in her use of silk and wool threads, gold and silver metallic purl (coiled threads), sequins, glass beads, and faceted glass “gems” to depict the sumptuous interior of Solomon’s palace and the imperial trappings of Sheba and her retinue.

Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1992; Steve and Carol Huber by purchase, 1991; Sotherby's, New York, NY, October 26, 1991, "Fine Americana" sale (#6227, Williams), lot 66.

Anita Jones, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Lessons Learned: American Schoolgirl Embroideries," November 23, 2014-May 10, 2015.

Anita Jones, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The Accomplished Stitch: American Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection," May 11-July 20, 1997.

"Fine Americana: Including Furniture, Art, and Folk Paintings," Sotheby's New York, October 26, 1991 (Sale 6227 WILLIAMS), lot #55, ill.

Anita Jones, 'In the Spotlight: BMA Collects,' "BMA Today," May 1994, pp.14-15, ill.

Inscribed: Painted by hand in gold letters on black ground of rabbet of frame: 'M.B./queen of sheba/1819' (date partially obscured). Note: a note on the piece when it was bought by the Hubers said: 'E. Burke/M072049/I.D.0008'