Emma Merkesell’s Large Hand Appliquéd Tulips Linen Quilt Square, Signed, 19th c. alaskan as found: 16 7/16" x

as found: 16 7/16" x 12 3/8"

The surface of the much cracked paint I think is pretty fantastic too

with these carved and painted stars against orange grounds

Found in Pennsylvania and with some age to it for sure

and though I believe Pluto in the back was once painted

Emma Merkesell’s Large Hand Appliquéd Tulips Linen Quilt Square, Signed, 19th c. alaskan as found: 16 7/16" xI find this an exceptionally beautiful thing, wonderfully bold and at the same time every bit as tender and expressive as the 19th c school girl drawings I love so much. Sewn onto the linen at lower left is a piece of ruled paper signed by an Emma Merkesell; I have done some searching and the only Merkesell I have found is an Emily Merkesell of Cass; County, Iowa, who married in 1877 it seems possible to me that that Emily could be our Emma, though I