Embroidered coverlet 1757 - 1775

This embroidered coverlet was crafted in the eighteenth century by Ruth Culver Coleman, and it presents a rich tapestry of floral motifs. These designs aren't merely decorative; they echo cultural memories of nature's beauty and bounty, reminiscent of the verdant landscapes depicted in earlier tapestries. The flowers, scattered across the fabric, bring to mind the concept of the "hortus conclusus," the enclosed garden, a symbol of purity and paradise found in medieval art. Consider how these floral arrangements have appeared across time, from ancient Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings, each era imbuing them with new meanings. There is a psychological element at play here too. The act of embroidering, a repetitive, meditative process, taps into our collective subconscious, a desire to create order and beauty amidst chaos. The coverlet thus becomes more than just bedding; it's a symbol of comfort, protection, and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The symbols resurface and evolve, adapting to each new cultural context.