Chair seat cover 1765 - 1775

Anna Poor Parsons crafted this needlework chair seat cover in 18th-century America. This object exists at the intersection of art, craft, and domestic life, embodying the cultural values and social roles of women in colonial society. The geometric patterns and vibrant colors, meticulously stitched, reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the time, influenced by both European traditions and the available materials in the colonies. Needlework like this was not just decorative. It was also a demonstration of a woman’s skill, patience, and refinement, qualities highly valued in the domestic sphere. Consider its place within the household: What kind of statement would this have made in the home? Who would have been welcome to sit here? Further study into the Parsons family records might reveal the social circles they moved in, while textile studies can uncover the origins and trade routes of the materials used. Through such interdisciplinary research, we can understand the complex ways in which art, even in its most humble forms, is embedded in the social fabric of its time.