Page 29 - Demo

Reward of Merit from Mrs. Bazeley's Seminary to Catherine M. Wray, Philadelphia, July 3, 1823 The study of samplers leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of the history of the education of young women and an appreciation of the same. This is a Reward of Merit, a testimonial to the effort and accomplishments of a student, Catherine M. Wray. Many academies, seminaries and schools presented Rewards of Merit, which frequently took the form of engravings on paper that were personalized and painted for deserving pupils. While not uncommon in the period, few survive. Mrs. Bazeley, along with her husband, Charles, lived in Philadelphia on 4th St. at Willings Alley where she conducted her seminary. Mrs. Bazeley designed the reward of merit herself and had it engraved by William Kneass, a very prominent engraver of the firm of Kneass & Dellaker. In January of 1824 Mr. Kneass was appointed to the highly prestigious position of Chief Engraver at the United States Mint. Interestingly, while this seminary did not include needlework in its curriculum, the composition and decorative elements of this piece bear strong resemblance to samplers and silk embroideries of the period. Specifically we note the flowering vine and the handsome tableau depicting young ladies in the pursuit of knowledge and refinement. Ink and watercolor on paper, it is in fine condition in a period maple cornerblock frame. Sight size: 10W1 x 13W1 Price: $3800. AMERI CA's LEADING sAMPLER AND NEED LEw o RK DEALER M. Finkel & Daughter. 25