Object number1997.7.137

Band Sampler

Date1737

Artist Maria de la Luz Letona (Andean)

CultureAndean

MediumSilk and cotton embroidery on linen with cotton backing

DimensionsSupport: 25 1/2 x 14 3/4 in. (64.8 x 37.5 cm)
Framed: 28 3/4 x 22 5/8 x 1 1/4 in. (73 x 57.5 x 3.2 cm)

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

On View

Not on view

Period18th c

Classification(s)

SignedBC: Maria de la Luz / Letona

InscribedStitched lower center in alternating red and black thread: [Spanish alphabet across three lines (with CH after the letter C, a double L after the letter L, Ñ after M, omitting W)] [numbers sequentially 1 through 9, each with a period between and ending with 0]; in green thread: Lo conclvi con Direccion / de mi Sra. M. e el 17 . de Julio / de 1737 [I finished this under the direction / of Mrs. M on the 17th of July of 1737]

BibliographyRosner, Isabella and Theresa Kutasz Christensen. "Tapestry, Woven Fabrics, and Embroidery," in Andaleeb Badiee Banta and Alexa Greist, with Theresa Kutasz Christensen, Making Her Mark: A History of Women Artists in Europe, 1400-1800, Toronto, ON: Art Gallery of Ontario, Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Museum of Art, Canada: Goose Lane Editions, 2023, pp. 248, 252Exhibition HistoryMaking Her Mark: A History of Women Artists in Europe, 1400-1800, Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD, October 1, 2023 - January 7, 2024; Art Gallery Of Ontario, Toronto, ON, March 27 - July 1, 2024
DescriptionRectangular format sampler with non-repeating patterned blocks of embroidery bordering an interior of horizontal lines of non-repeating patterned embroidery. Four small landscape scenes with a building are located at the center of each side within the blocked border and two scenes of architectural structures, including a church, within a landscape are located at the top and bottom of the interior of the textile. At center is a large horizontal landscape scene of rolling hills with paths, trees, red roofed buildings and a church, a figure walking the path, mountains in the background with birds, and a blue sky. At the bottom interior is a rectangular area with the alphabet, numbers, and Maria de la Luz Letona's signature and inscription. The work is resplendent with detail, never the same stitch patterns repeated, all rendered in bold colors including red, green, blue, black, yellow-green, and tan. The orientation of the landscape scenes and inscription area all face different directions from one another.

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