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2023-98, Sampler
Sampler by Julia L. Carter
2023-98, Sampler

Sampler by Julia L. Carter

Date1812
Maker Julia L. Carter
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 24 wefts by 23 wefts per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOH: 16 5/8" x OW: 10 1/4"
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-98
DescriptionThis a rectangular alphabet sampler worked is shades of tan, yellow, pink, and blue silk embroidery threads on a brown linen ground. The design includes three sets of uppercase block alphabets, one set of lowercase block alphabets, two sets of Arabic numerals--13 and 1-9, and a set of Roman numerals (I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VII).There is a heart motif at the end of the last alphabet. The signature line and date are at the bottom of the sampler: "Julia L. Carter/ November [?] DCCCXII". The sampler is finished with a selvage at the right side and 1/4-inch hems on the left side, top, and bottom.
Stitches: cross over 2, double cross, eyelet, four-sided reversing to X, queen, satin
Provenance1812, made by Julia L. Carter; ?, probable owner "Polly," daughter of Leila Skipwith [1797-1837] (Prestwood, VA); ?, anonymous donor whose mother was probably related to maker; 1993-2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present, transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)