Pictorial Table RugLate 19th century24 1/2 × 71"Wool felt on woolGift of Altria Group, Inc.2008.9.401547924031Artist unidentifiedTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesTextilesIn America, the term rug has variously referred to a table cover, an early type of warm bedcover, and a woven or knotted floor cover. By the early nineteenth century, a new type of rug was in vogue; referred to as a table rug, it was probably intended for placement in front of the hearth to protect floors or expensive carpets from soot and flying cinders. As with fireboards and overmantels—two other forms ranged around a fireplace—architectural themes were sometimes used to embellish early table or hearth rugs. The imagery on this rug succinctly and powerfully illustrates the strong link between church and home. The two centers of community life are connected and defined by the white picket fence. A willow tree—an essential symbolic element in mourning embroideries—is appropriately placed beside the church, while the oak by the house evokes strength and fertility.
In 1985, when this rug was acquired, it was purported to have descended in the Otisfield house in which it was made, and which was said to still stand. If, in fact, the rug depicts an Otisfield home, the likeliest candidate is the Johnson Knight house, which was located just north of the Bell Hill Meetinghouse situated at the top of Bell Hill Road. Most early Otisfield homes had center chimneys, but the Knight house had two gable-end chimneys, as depicted on this rug. It was also renowned for its elaborate front door—a prominent feature of the rug—which was made by Timothy Fernald.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org18701899 2008 9 4
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org