American Tapestry — Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, NYC — Inspired by Emma Stebbins & Florence Vincent Robinson
The designs in this collection are inspired by a circa-1901 postcard—now approximately 125 years old—depicting Bethesda Fountain in New York’s Central Park. Swipe to see the original postcard.
At its center is Angel of the Waters, the monumental bronze sculpture by American sculptor Emma Stebbins (1815–1882), unveiled in 1873. The commission was the first New York City public art commission awarded to a woman. The sculpture references the biblical Pool of Bethesda while also commemorating the arrival of fresh water to New York through the Croton Aqueduct. The postcard is held in the collection of the Mayflower Descendants Museum, 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 postcard scene was created by American watercolorist Florence Vincent Robinson (1874–1937), known for landscapes, architectural views, and scenes inspired by her travels throughout Europe and North Africa. Robinson studied in Paris with French watercolorist Pierre Vignal and celebrated landscape painter Henri-Joseph Harpignies. Works by both Stebbins and Robinson are held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Stebbins was a New York-born artist who first trained as a painter, receiving instruction in oil painting from noted American portraitist Henry Inman before turning to sculpture and studying with Edward Augustus Brackett. She later spent years working in Rome, where she belonged to an extraordinary circle of American women sculptors that included Harriet Hosmer and Edmonia Lewis.
About American Tapestry
American Tapestry, founded by Cherie Behrens, is a heritage-driven lifestyle house inspired by historic American art and artifacts—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, drawing exclusively from the holdings of the Mayflower Descendants Museum, which she also founded.
Through these holdings, we follow the threads and stitches of America’s past—the unexpected connections among people, places, objects, and histories that together reveal an interwoven American tapestry. Our mission is simple: to bring historic American design, art, and artifacts forward into the present and into everyday life—making the invisible visible.
Connect with American Tapestry
Website:
www.thehouseofamericantapestry.comInstagram: @americantapestryofficial
Facebook: American Tapestry
YouTube: @thehouseofamericantapestry
TikTok: @americantapestry
X: @americantapestr
Product information
- High-grade 100% vegan leather exterior with polyester lining
- Vibrant, double-sided print with crisp, bright colors
- Black top handles plus removable, adjustable vegan shoulder strap
- Interior organization: one zip pocket and two open pockets
- Structured one-size design with durable hardware
Care instructions
- Do not dry clean
- Do not expose to the sun, keep in a dry place
- Before cleaning the bag, remove all the items from the bag. Suggested to pretreat visible stains with stain remover. Mix warm water with laundry detergent and clean the bag with terry washcloth or soft bristle brush. Let the bag air dry.
Important Shipping Information
Most products typically arrive within approximately 1½–2½ weeks from purchase. Products marked Made in Canada typically arrive within approximately 2½–3 weeks from purchase due to their specialized production process. Items may ship separately. As we grow, we’re working to offer faster fulfillment and shipping options whenever possible.
