Crib quilt, appliqued

This crib quilt is decorated with a central spread eagle in dark red printed calico. It is a particularly graphic quilt, with its pattern of a spread eagle surrounded by eight-pointed stars, and sawtooth border, all constructed of printed cottons in saturated colors. These printed cottons are particularly interesting examples that reflect the variety of fabrics available to the American quilt maker by the 1840s. While the chintz on the back is definitely English, it is possible that some of the printed calicos on the front were made in America. The quilt appears to never have been washed and is in very good condition.This is a crib quilt, presumably made by a mother or other family member in anticipation of the birth of a child.

Crib quilts in general are far rarer than full size quilts. They are particularly treasured by collectors, including the Museum, for their presumed history of a mother or other family member making the quilt in in anticipation of the birth of a child, as well as for their diminutive size, which makes them both "cute" and easy to display.