Beginning in 1837, an intense religious revival swept through the Shaker villages. Over a period of twenty or more years known as the Era of Manifestations, or Mother’s Work, Believers accepted visionary experiences as a part of daily life. These phenomena “received by inspiration” were recognized as “gifts” by the Shaker leadership, and included messages, songs, and drawings. A little more than two hundred gift drawings survive, all but a few the work of women at the villages in New Lebanon, New York, and Hancock, Massachusetts. Polly Reed, the meticulous scribe who recorded this gift, also transcribed visions into heart- and leaf-shaped cutouts, a spiritual map, and other works in watercolor. Mother Lucy was Lucy Wright (1760–1821), a principal leader of the United Society of Believers during its formative years. The drawing also contains a visionary message believed to have been received from Mother Ann Lee (1736–1784), the founder of the Society.

Stacy C. Hollander, "Gift Drawing: A Reward of True Faithfulness from Mother Lucy to Eleanor Potter," exhibition label for Folk Art Revealed. Stacy C. Hollander and Brooke Davis Anderson, curators. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2004.

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