Sampler

Dateearly-mid 19th century

Artist Currently Unidentified

CultureAmerican

MediumSilk threads on linen ground

DimensionsSight (tall rectangle): 25 1/16 x 19 1/4 in. (63.7 x 48.9 cm)
Framed: 27 x 19 5/16 x 3/4 in. (68.6 x 49.1 x 1.9 cm)

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

On View

Not on view

Period19th c

Classification(s)

InscribedInscribed: God robes its cheerful green the ground / And pours its flowery beauties round / Whose sweets perfume the gale / Its bounties richly spread the plain / The blushing fruit the golden grain / And smile on every vale

DescriptionAn unusual alphabet and verse sampler. The sampler is unfinished and unsigned. The verse, by English Presbyterian minister Henry Moore, was first published posthumously in 1803. (The verse, set in a long horizontal octagon within a rectangular frame, surrounded by a colorful multi-floral rustic wreath embellished with a blue bowknot, forms the centrepiece of the sampler and is surmounted by two alphabets and dividing bands - a Queen stitch, multi-colored chevron band, a checkerboard cross-stitch band, and a double-sawtooth band in satin stitch. The third alphabet is configured into two groups set on either side of the curve formed by the wreath. The fourth alphabet, divided into four groups, is arranged above and to the sides of the rectangular verse frame. The floral wreath surrounding the verse frame is worked in satin and free stitch. The bottom register, most likely destined for the inscription (name and date), is blank except for a green and pink bird on a small flowering shrub, three queen-stitch strawberries, and a partial sawtooth ground line. The composition is bordered by an arcaded multi-floral frame worked primarily in cross stitch.

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