Post Revolution
c. 1785 George Washington & Benjamin Franklin Blue and White "The Apotheosis of Franklin" French Toile Curtain
c. 1785, Large Blue and White Printed French Toile Curtain, "The Apotheosis of Franklin" measuring about 69" x 64", "Threads of History" Listed and Illustrated as No. 8, page 51, Very Fine.
A multiple pattern, historical decorative fabric as listed in the reference book, "Threads of History: Americana Recorded on Cloth 1775 to the Present," listed as No. 8, page 51, published by the Smithsonian Institution Press in 1979. There listed as "English Yard Goods."
This decorative American Patriotic design pattern fabric was used in a variety of fashions, this example being one of the largest encountered. We have seen smaller individual single panel display pieces. We also sold a similarly sized coverlet in 1999 for $6,900.
The individual panel designs include a scene at bottom showing George Washington driving a leopard-drawn chariot in which sits the Allegorical figure of "America" holding a plaque inscribed: "American Independence 1776." Two Native American Indians carry a trumpet each; one carries a banner emblazoned with a serpent; the other carries a striped Flag. At left is a Liberty Tree with military paraphernalia at its base and an upside down sign reading, "Stamp Act" posted on it. The upper portion of the design shows "Athene" with Benjamin Franklin and a figure of "Liberty" bearing a scroll inscribed: "Where Liberty Dwells There Is My Country." Two Putti carry a Map of America, above which is the figure of "Fame".
This white toile is printed in blue (a color not listed or known to be in this color in Threads of History, which shows only red and brown printing). This hand-sewn curtain was made by sewing two panels together along the vertical edges, then hemming all the outer edges, and finally adding small white ringlets along the top edge spaced about 6 inches apart.
The "Threads of History" reference book notes that the New York Historical Society has a similar pair of curtains made of this fabric. All of the original white rings have survived in place, which is remarkable in itself. Some portions exposed to the sun has printing that is slightly faded and the fabric has light and uniform tone. Small holes are scattered about, mostly just above and below the center. The buyer may decide to keep this curtain intact, or possibly piece it out as individual design panels have been known to sell for about $4,000 each. Regardless, this is a phenomenal piece of Washingtonia and American Federal era historical fabric.