Object number1997.7.138
Sampler
Date1848
Artist
Theodore Wilson Stratton
(American, 1828 - 1888)
CultureAmerican
MediumWool or cotton on perforated paper?
DimensionsSight (wide rectangle): 17 x 21 1/4 in. (43.2 x 54 cm)
Framed (vintage frame with glass): 18 1/8 x 22 3/8 x 1/2 in. (46 x 56.8 x 1.3 cm)
Framed (vintage frame with glass): 18 1/8 x 22 3/8 x 1/2 in. (46 x 56.8 x 1.3 cm)
Credit LineTransfer from Vassar College Libraries, Special Collections, Martha Clawson Reed Collection
On View
Not on viewPeriod19th c
Classification(s)
SignedBC: TWS
InscribedInscribed: Lines on the deaths of the infant sons of JONAS and MARY STRATTON/ Daniel/ Born February, 27, 1835/Died August 27, 1835/ Aged/ Six Months/ "Suffer the little chil-/dren to come unto/ me, and forbid them/not, for such is / the kingdom of heav-/en" Jesus Christ/ Jonas Lane/ Born June 22, 1846/ DIed August 4, 1846/Aged, three months/ and twelve days/ Original/ Youth and beauty fade away,/Fair and loved ones early die;/ Soonest, fairest flowers decay/ Why is it ,DEATH; Oh! tell me why:/ Angelic spirits from above/Awhile to dwell midst scenes so gay; Too pure for earth - too cold its love - / too soon, alas ! do pass away / Two little buds of promise/ Have soared above the skies ; / And now, mid scenes of heavenly bliss/ Sweetly blook in PARADISE.
DescriptionAn original poem dedicated to the stitcher's parents as a memorial to two dead siblings, whose birth and death dates are recorded next to a verse from the New Testament, signed TWS ( Theodore Wilson Stratton), and stitched in cross stitch on perforated paper embellished with floral and peacock feather corner designs that extend around the sides to form a floral border. Thread colors are black, red, gold, blue, and green.
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