Three Purples Flowered Handkerchief or Shawl, reproduced from the Collection of The Albany Institute of Art & History by Burnley & Trowbridge
Dated to the last quarter of the 18th century, this lovely block-printed Three Purples Flowered Handkerchief or Shawl came to the collection with an interesting history. Donated by descendants of the Van Derzee family in the 1990's, it came with a note detailing its background. According to the family, it was given in exchange for food by a Continental Ranger during the Revolution. Family lore says that when Lady Burgoyne came to Saratoga, she wore an identical one. In 1996, Curator, Fashion Historian and Author, Nancy Rexford visited the Museum, examined this item and made notes regarding its date. The fashion plate she cited is dated 1778. We have seen a number of handkerchiefs similar to this one, many in French collections. Meg Andrews auction house sold a similar, though smaller, one that was dated to 1810.
Larger handkerchiefs such as this were worn from the late 1770's, into the early 19th century. Although the original has oxidized, the colors in this Three Purples Flowered Handkerchief or Shawl reproduction are representative of the beautiful purples the handkerchief featured when it was new.
Our Three Purples Flowered Handkerchief or Shawl:
-
Measures approximately 39 inches square.
-
100% hand loomed cotton mull.
-
Hand printed and finished.
-
To learn more about our Three Purples Flowered Handkerchief or Shawl, please visit About Our Handkerchiefs
