Washington Related
January 1, 1800 "Threads of History" Item 18 page 56 George Washington Memorial Printed Silk Broadside Titled "An Elegiac Poem on the Death of George Washington Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States."
January 1, 1800-Dated Federal Period, Memorial Poem Silk Broadside, Printed in black on fine off-white Silk, entitled: "An Elegiac Poem on the Death of George Washington Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States, Who died at Mount Vernon, Virginia, 14th December, 1799, Aged 69 years. Dedicated to the Citizens of the United States." "Printed by R. Aitken, January 1, 1800" (Error spelling "RPINTED"), located in "Threads of History" Item 18, page 56, Framed, Fine.
"January 1, 1800" Dated George Washington Memorial Black Printed Silk Broadside within the printed text at bottom right. This rare original Black printed on White Silk Textile is listed in the major reference, "Threads of History" published by the Smithsonian Institution, as Item number 18 a similar example illustrated on page 56.
It measures about 10.25" x 17.25" (by sight) having with some scattered minor spots, soiling, expected age and some scattered internal splits, primarily at centerfold with all text is clear and fully readable but for the centerfold area. This historic textile is in quite presentable condition, specially considering its importance and rarity. Professionally matted in an modern black decorative wood frame measuring to 22.5" tall x 17" wide.
This design and type is lacking in virtually all private collections, institutions, and museums. This George Washington related textile is one of the very earliest of all American printed historical textiles. This current example is printed in deep black on a fine quality attractive white silk. Remarkable being created so quickly, this Washington Memorial Silk Broadside was issued only about two weeks after George Washington's death on December 14th, 1799.
The printed tribute Poem is presented in a three vertical column format, displayed within a pair of outer decorative Pediment and Arch designs on either side with Funeral Urns atop each column, noted "Printed by R. Aitken" (Error spelling "RPINTED") and actually dated "January 1, 1800". Currently ready for hanging on display. An exceedingly rare and historic General / President George Washington memorial tribute commemorative item.