The Infinitesimal, Part 1

The word stuck out to me when I heard it one evening, used to describe an 1819 Philadelphia School Girl Silk Embroidered Picture being appraised on Antiques Roadshow.  The guest brought in this piece made by her great-great-great aunt when she was 15.  The appraiser was "bowled over" to see "one of the most extravagant and beautiful pieces of Philadelphia schoolgirl needlework."  The artwork would have started as "an enormous sheet of silk" onto which the school mistress "would set the image.  This would probably have been taken from a print that was in circulation at that time, and your ancestor painstakingly did all of the stitchery. And it makes use of the most extravagant and beautiful fabric and metal threads. Look at the way that this throne of King Solomon is done with gilt and silver threads inset with sequins and glass jewels. The background is all worked in silk chenille threads and the background of the sky and the faces of the different characters are painted by a professional artist."

"How did they do this?" asked the guest, "Were they using little, tiny needes?  Little thread?"  The appraiser agreed, yes, "Little, tiny needes, little, tiny silk threads, infinitesimal stitches.  It took time, it took patience, it took discipline to do this."  She estimated the piece at $60,000 to $80,000.

(Click to watch Appraisal: 1819 Philadelphia School Girl Silk Embroidered Picture on PBS or see more from Antiques Roadshow.)

While searching for the above information, I also came across this:
$1.07 Million Paid For NJ Girl's Needlework Piece

This piece was made by Mary Antrim, a New Jersey schoolgirl, in 1807.  It features a farm scene on linen, and Dealer David Schorsch said it "stood out in a unique way as a folk art statement." 

I am listening to the messages of the infinitesimal, its depth of importance, and this series will continue to be continued...