Object number1997.7.52

Sampler

Date1818

CultureAmerican

MediumSilk threads on linen ground

DimensionsSight (wide rectangle): 10 x 16 3/4 in. (25.4 x 42.5 cm)
Framed: 11 1/4 x 17 7/8 x 5/8 in. (28.6 x 45.4 x 1.6 cm)

Credit LineTransfer from Vassar College Libraries, Special Collections, Martha Clawson Reed Collection

On View

Not on view

Period19th c

Classification(s)

SignedAt bottom center: Lydia Kimball

InscribedAt left: Where’er I turn my ravished eyes new scenes of beauty round me vire... At bottom: Lydia Kimball's Sampler wr/ ought by her ingenuity/ and industry in 8 year of her age by my superintendency N.L. (?)

BibliographyBolton & Coe verse 455 first appearance 1818, #652 - Isaac Watts Divine Songs for Children 1796DescriptionLydia Kimball's 1818 sampler is horizontal in orientation with a flame stitch border in black, brown, and gold, anchored by green hemstitiching. The upper half of the sampler consists of three alphabets separated by dividing bands, each worked across the long width of the linen ground in 4 lines. Ligatures, 2 number sequences: 1 through 6, 1 through 30, and three upper case W s finish out lines 1, 3 and 4 respectively. The lower half of the composition is a verse stitched on either side of the sawtooth enclosed inscription block. Small entwined flowering vines add a decorative flourish below the inscription box. The inscription implies that the instructress's initials were N.L.
Kimball is a prolific surname throughout New England and Lydia was a popular name within the family. Lydia Kimball, the maker of this sampler seems to have been born in North Adams, Berkshire County,Massachusetts, the daughter of Hannah and Nathan, the records vary. Lydia Kimball died there in 1890. See the Sampler Archive for further details.

Terms

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email loebcollections@vassar.edu