Sampler

Date1821

Artist Harriet Smith (English)

CultureEnglish

MediumFabric

DimensionsSight (tall rectangle): 25 1/8 x 13 1/4 in. (63.8 x 33.7 cm)
Framed: 27 1/2 x 15 1/8 x 3/4 in. (69.8 x 38.4 x 1.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. James W. Packard (Elizabeth Gillmer, class of 1894)

On View

Not on view

Period19th c

Classification(s)

Signed Harriet Smith

InscribedInscribed: Character of Christ Behold, where, in a mortal form, / Appears each grace divine; / The virtues, all in Jesus meet, / With mildest radiance shine, The noblest love of human kind / Inspir'd His holy brest, / In deeds of mercy, words of peace, / His kindness was exprest. Lovely in heart, by all his friends, / A friend and servant found, / He wash'd their feet, he wip'd their tears / And heal'd each bleeding wound. Be Christ my pattern, and my guide. / His image may I bear / O may I tread his sacred steps, / And His bright glories share./ Harriet Smith December 10th 1821

DescriptionThe Harriet Smith sampler is formatted as a tall, relatively narrow, rectangle with a long verse in four quatrains embellished by rosebud and multi-floral wreath, a regular carnation border, and a large bird and berry composition in the bottom register. At the top of the sampler an upper and lower case alphabet are divided 2 decorative honeysuckle bands. Colors are pinks, greens, cream, gold, black, red, white, brown, and light blue.

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