WORKED BY RHODA PECK AND TITLED 'THESE ARE MY JEWELS', THE FRAME LABELED PETER GRINNELL AND SON, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

Worked by Rhoda Peck, this allegorical needlework may be attributed to the School of Mary Balch, of Providence Rhode Island, circa 1810. The school was established in 1785 and operated for approximately fourty-five years. This picture remains in its original frame that bears the intact label from Peter Grinell & Son, who worked in Providence. This label was used by the firm between 1809 and c. 1812. For further discussion of this firm, see Betty Ring, "Peter Grinell and Son: merchant-craftsman of Providence, Rhode Island," The Magazine Antiques (January 1980) vol. CXVII, no. 1, pp. 212-219.