Pre-Raphaelite Tote in Olive — Inspired by Artist Kenyon Cox

 Artwork inspired by the gilt vellum cover of the exceptionally rare 1886 deluxe edition of The Blessed Damozel by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, held in the collection of the Mayflower Descendants Museum. The Museum was founded by our creative director and founder, Cherie Behrens, who personally selects the historic works and objects that inspire American Tapestry and creates each design from them. The volume was illustrated and designed by American artist Kenyon Cox (1856–1919), a leading figure of the American Renaissance; its gilt vellum cover features Cox’s Pre‑Raphaelite design rendered through his distinctly classical artistic style. Swipe to see the front cover of the book that inspired the design.

Meet the New American Art Museum Bringing History into Public View Through Art and Artifacts

The Mayflower Descendants Museum is an American art museum whose holdings bring together a wide range of artists and stories—from talented and emerging artists, some of whom may not yet have been represented in museum collections, to artists whose work was overlooked or little known during their lifetimes, to artists represented in some of the world’s most significant institutional and royal collections.

In the latter category, artists represented in the Museum’s collection can also be found in institutions including the Louvre in Paris; the British Royal Collection; the Victoria and Albert Museum; the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Picture Gallery in Stratford-upon-Avon; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Smithsonian; and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others.

The Museum’s holdings also include works that have never before been on public view, created by both American and international artists whose art, objects, and stories intersect with the broader American story connected to Mayflower descendants—a diverse global population estimated to number more than 35 million.

Kenyon Cox (1856–1919), National Academician

Only 35 copies of this deluxe edition were produced, each containing proof impressions on India paper. Rossetti’s hauntingly romantic poem envisions a young woman in heaven gazing down upon the man she loves on earth, longing for the day they will be reunited. Among the museum collections we have identified, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the only other institution known to hold an 1886 Cox‑illustrated edition of The Blessed Damozel.

Cox trained in Paris under Carolus‑Duran and Jean‑Léon Gérôme, became a National Academician, and later created major murals for the Library of Congress. His work is represented in collections including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

About American Tapestry
American Tapestry, founded by Cherie Behrens, is a heritage-driven lifestyle house inspired by historic art and artifacts connected to the American story—often more than a century old—translated into handbags, travel accessories, home décor, jewelry, glassware, games, furniture, textiles, and more. Every design is created by Cherie Behrens and draws inspiration exclusively from works and objects held by the Mayflower Descendants Museum, which she also founded. 

American Tapestry follows the unexpected threads that connect the Museum’s holdings to American art, artifacts, literature, and cultural history. Not every work that inspires a collection was created by an American artist; some enter the American story through research that reveals their ties to American people, objects, and narratives.

To discover the threads behind each collection, visit the Museum at www.mayflowerdescendantsmuseum.org

Through these holdings, we trace the stitches of America’s past—uncovering connections among people, places, objects, art, literature, and history that together reveal an interwoven American tapestry.

Our mission is simple: to bring historic art, design, artifacts, and the stories that intersect with them forward into the present and into everyday life—bringing often‑invisible history into view.

Connect with American Tapestry

Website: www.thehouseofamericantapestry.com
Instagram: @americantapestryofficial
Facebook: American Tapestry
YouTube: @thehouseofamericantapestry
TikTok: @americantapestry
X: @americantapestr

Connect with the Mayflower Descendants Museum
Website: www.mayflowerdescendantsmuseum.org
Instagram: @mayflowerdescendantsmuseum
Facebook: Mayflower Descendants Museum
YouTube: @mayflowerdescendantsmuseum
TikTok: @mayflowermuseum
X: @MayflowerMuseum

Product Information

• 18" wide × 12" tall × 5" deep
• Made from pebbled vegan leather that softens with use, this tote develops a relaxed slouch when set down while retaining its full tote silhouette when carried
• Solid-color straps, base, and detailing in brown or black
• Magnetic snap closure
• Full lining with inner pockets
• Made in Montreal, Canada