Samuel Folwell: Weaver of Grief and Philadelphia’s Artistic Heart Samuel Folwell (1764–1813) stands as a poignant figure in American art history, primarily recognized for his deeply moving “mouning art”—a unique genre born from the profound grief experienced during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. More than simply portraits of the departed, Folwell’s works are intricate explorations of loss, memory, and the enduring power of love, meticulously crafted through a combination of silk embroidery and delicate watercolor detailing. His legacy resides not just in individual pieces but also i…