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Sampler 1971-1481
Sampler by Elizabeth Crawther
Sampler 1971-1481

Sampler by Elizabeth Crawther

Date1826
Artist/Maker Elizabeth Crawther
OriginEngland
MediumSilk embroidery threads on wool ground of 52 x 48 threads per inch (fiber identification by textile lab)
DimensionsOW: 15 3/8" x OH: 13 1/2"
Credit LineAnonymous gift
Object number1971-1481
DescriptionThis is a rectangular sampler consisting of polychrome silk embroidery on a wool ground. At the top are two painted angel heads with embroidered wings, which flank an open book that has embroidered on it, "The Promise Of GOD Cannot Fail." Directly below the angels, a leafy vine frames an inscription in red silk cross stitch. The leafy vine includes three roses, a blossom below each angel and one at the bottom, framed by two large bundles of leaves made up of multiple green and white tones. The inscription reads, "Then they that feared/ the LORD spake often one to/ another and the LORD hearKened/ and heard it. and a book of remembrance was/ written before him for them that feared the LORD and that/thought upon his name./ And they shall be mine saith the LORD of hosts in that day/ when I make up my jewels and I will spare them as a man/ spareth his own that serveth him." Below the inscription, at the bottom of the leafy vine, is a lamb sat in a cartouche of yellow thread, lined and dotted with red thread. The top and bottom edges are selvedges and the right and left sides are unhemmed. Each selvedge has three blue threads woven into it.

Stitches: cross stitch over two, satin stitch
Label TextThis sampler, made by a girl named Elizabeth Crawther in 1826, unexpectedly utilizes two media. While most of the sampler is stitched in silk threads, the faces of the two angels that flank the book inscribed "The Promise Of GOD Cannot Fail" are painted. Painting the faces of the angels, that float above a stitched rendering of verses 3:16-3:17 in the Book of Malachi, perhaps allowed Elizabeth to show off both her painting and her sewing skills. Perhaps, too, Elizabeth preferred a naturalistic appearance to the angels' faces, instead of a more stylized one that embroidering would have created.
Inscribed"The Promise Of GOD Cannot Fail
Then they that feared/the LORD spake often one to/another: and the LORD hearKened/and heard it.and a book of remembrance was/written before him for them that feared the LORD and that/thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine saith the LORD of hosts in that day/when I make up my jewels and I will spare them as a man/spareth his own that serveth him."
ProvenanceEx coll: Tomlinson.