From Holy Mother Wisdom to Hannah Ann Treadway (Shaker Inspirational Drawing)

Currently not on view

From Holy Mother Wisdom to Hannah Ann Treadway (Shaker Inspirational Drawing)

1845

Attributed to Sarah Bates (American (Shaker), 1792–1881)

Although the devout, celibate Shakers had firm rules against decoration and embellishment, which were thought to distract the mind from religion, during a few years around the middle of the nineteenth century, certain members of two of their communities (in Hancock, Massachusetts, and Mount Lebanon, New York) served as "instruments of the Lord" to produce symbolic drawings that were considered gifts from the spirit world. These delicately penned visual testimonies to visionary experiences repeat particular motifs, such as schematic trees, birds, flowers, moons, eyes, and hearts. Although probably not considered works of art by their makers, their designs are often spectacularly beautiful.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

From Holy Mother Wisdom to Hannah Ann Treadway (Shaker Inspirational Drawing)

Date:

1845

Artist:

Attributed to Sarah Bates (American (Shaker), 1792–1881)

Medium:

Blue and red ink, pen and wash, colored paint, on white paper

Dimensions:

Sheet: 15 x 20 3/4 inches (38.1 x 52.7 cm)

Classification:

Drawings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Zieget, 1963

Accession Number:

1963-160-2

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view