A Stitch in Time
Many popular themes came from the Bible. This one tells the story of Jeptha, who, after battle, carried out his promise to the Lord, which was to sacrifice the first thing to greet him on his return home. This embroidery was probably worked at the Misses Pattens' school in Hartford, Connecticut, in the early 19th century (silk, paint, gold foil, metallic fringe, and ink on silk; 16 1/2 by 20 5/8 inches).