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| Harriet Powers (1837–1910) |
Harriet Powers
Harriet Powers (October 29, 1837 РJanuary 1, 1910) was an African-American slave, folk artist, and quilt maker from rural Georgia. She used traditional appliqu̩ techniques to record local legends, Bible stories, and astronomical events on her quilts. Only two of her quilts are known to have survived - Bible Quilt 1886 and Pictorial Quilt 1898.
Bible Quilt 1886
Her first quilt, known as the Bible Quilt, was shown at the Athens cotton Fair in 1886. The quilt measures 75" x 89". Four years later, when Harriet met with financial difficulties, she sold the quilt to Jennie Smith for five dollars. This quilt is now in the Smithsonian Institution.
The Blocks
- Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
- A continuance of Paradise with Eve and a son
- Satan amidst the seven stars
- Cain killing his brother Abel
- Cain goes into the land of Nod to get a wife
- Jacob's dream
- The baptism of Christ
- The crucifixion
- Judas Iscariot and the thirty pieces of silver
- The Last Supper
- The Holy Family
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| 1886 Bible Quilt - 75" x 89" Currently in the Smithsonian Institution |
Pictorial Quilt 1898
The quilt was presented to the Doctor Charles Cuthbert Hall of New York City by the faculty ladies of Atlanta University where he had served as chairman of the board of trustees. The Doctor’s heir sold the quilt to collector Maxim Karolik, who then donated it to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston on May 13, 1964.
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| 1898 Pictorial Quilt - 69" X 105' Currently in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
The Blocks
Row One
- Job praying for his enemies.
- Dark Day - May 19, 1780.
- The serpent lifted up by Moses.
- Adam & Eve in the garden.
- John baptizing Christ.
Row Two
- Jonah cast overboard.
- God created two of every kind, male & female.
- Falling of the Stars - November 14, 1833.
- Two of every kind continues.
- The angels of wrath and seven vials.
Row Three
- Cold Thursday - February 10, 1895.
- Red Light Night of 1846.
- Rich people who were taught nothing of God.
- The creation of animals continues.
- The crucifixion of Christ between two thieves.
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