Becoming America

Becoming America offers a multifaceted view of one of the foremost collections of 18th- and 19th-century American folk and decorative art from the rural Northeast. Essays by leading specialists discuss the culture of furniture workshops, exuberant painted decoration, techniques of sewing and quilting, and poignant stories about the families depicted in the portraits. The collection itself includes Shaker boxes, a beaded Iroquois hat, embroidered samplers, metalwork, scrimshaw, handwoven rugs, ceramics, and a weather vane. The majority of these works have never before been published. With lively essays and profuse illustrations, this handsome volume brings to life the aesthetic of early Americans living in the countryside and is an essential exploration of the period's taste and style.
"Becoming America offers a multifaceted view of one of the foremost collections of 18th- and 19th-century American folk and decorative art from the rural Northeast. Essays by leading specialists discuss the culture of furniture workshops, exuberant painted decoration, techniques of sewing and quilting, and poignant stories about the families depicted in the portraits. The collection itself includes Shaker boxes, a beaded Iroquois hat, embroidered samplers, metalwork, scrimshaw, handwoven rugs, ceramics, and a weather vane. The majority of these works have never before been published. With lively essays and profuse illustrations, this handsome volume brings to life the aesthetic of early Americans living in the countryside and is an essential exploration of the period's taste and style"--
"As you leaf through the pages, you'll find showstopper after showstopper . . . [but] as rich as the illustrations are, the book merits a place on reference library shelves thanks to the quality of its enlightening--and at times entertaining--scholarly essays."--Gregory Cerio, The Magazine Antiques

"Especially satisfying . . . An uncommonly compelling assemblage."--Laura Beach, Antiques and the Arts Weekly

"Beautiful reproductions and insightful text"--Chandra Noyes, Art and Object

Chosen as a CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title for 2020