72.1.185
Rubbings from Early American Stone Sculptures
1963 (Date created)
Ink
Print
Books
17.5 in W
x
12.75 in H
(Object)
American
14 rubbings, contents found on page 3, published to commemorate 50th anniversary of art in America
This rubbing is taken from the gravestone of Mrs. Christiana Cook, wife of Captain Elkanah Cook, who died Feb. 27th, 1796 at thirty years of age. The artist who created this carving is unknown, but typifies the style commonly exhibited on New England gravestones between the 17th and 19th centuries, in that a stylized, often symmetrically balanced figure is displayed. Rather than making a realistic image of the deceased, the artist abstracts the human image and endows it with dress and simplified facial features that allow it to be identified with the departed. An hourglass, book (most likely a Bible), and ring are added to symbolize death and passing onward to the next life. An umbrella-like ornamentation has been added over the figure's head, echoing the folds of the dress; its purpose is unclear.
In Collection
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