Sampler by Hannah Makens

DateOctober 23, 1809 (dated)

Artist/Maker Hannah Makens

MediumSilk threads on a wool ground of 42 x 48 threads per inch (identification of fibers by eye)

DimensionsFramed: OH 20 1/2" x OW 15 1/4" Actual (by sight): OH 17 3/4" x OW 12 3/8"

Credit LineBequest of May C. Wheelock.

Object number1995-111,A&B

DescriptionThis is a framed sampler worked in silk threads in shades of brown, green, blue-green, red, black, purple, and natural on a natural-colored wool ground. The blue-green satin stitch on the fort is purple on the back of the sampler. There are four sections to the piece, separated by vine motifs, and in the final case, a strip of grass.
The top section contains the centered verse, "Virtue's the chiefest Beauty of the Mind/ the noblest Ornament of Humankind/ Virtue's our Safeguard and our guiding Star/ that stirs up Reason when our senses err." On either side of the verse there are symmetrical small trees, flowering plants and butterflies. Separating the top section from the next is a meandering vine with small leaves extending from it as well as seven strawberries.
The second section contains one large bush/tree in the center, flanked by medium-sized butterflies, wreaths encircling a bird (perhaps a peacock), large butterflies, and small bushes of the same type as the central bush/tree. The second section is separated from the third by a meandering vine with three satin-stitched flowers extending up from it.
The third section consists of a large fort guarded by two symmetrical soldiers wearing pink coats and carrying weapons. The fort has three towers, and a flag flies from the central one. On each of the two side towers, a squared-off form with a tail rests (these may be birds, see related sampler by Sophia Ellis). Small downward-pointing crosses or arrows seem to be assailing the fort. On either side of the fort, from top to bottom, there are six symmetrical small threes (three per side), two symmetrical fruit baskets, two symmetrical dog-like creatures, and two symmetrical large trees with birds at the top and a flowering plant in a basket, as well as, a small animal, perhaps a dog, beneath. A line of satin-stitched grass separates the third section from the fourth.
This final section contains a meandering vine with flowers, the maker's name "Hannah Makens finish th[i]s samp", age "In the 11 Year of her Age", and date "October 23 1809". The entire piece is bordered by a meandering strawberry and vine with leaves extending from both strawberries and vine.

Stitches: cross over one and two, half cross, and satin
Label TextAlthough military scenes were popular amongst British sampler-makers, it is unusual to see depictions of military edifices. In 1785, a young woman named Sophia Ellis worked an almost identical sampler, indicating that this design had been in use for over a decade by the time Hannah Makens worked her sampler.
Inscribed"Virtue's the chiefest Beauty of the Mind/ the noblest Ornament of Humankind/ Virtue's our Safeguard and our guiding Star/ that stirs up Reason when our senses err."
ProvenanceThe sampler is from the estate of May C. Wheelock of Danbury, CT. No further provenance is known.