Images(2)

Sampler by Julia Fogerty

Date1843

Maker Julia Fogarty (1835-1907)

OriginAmerica, Florida, St. Augustine

MediumSilk Embroidery threads on a linen ground of 25 x 26 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsFramed: OH: 19 2/4" x OW: 10 3/4" Sampler by sight: OH: 16 5/8" x OW: 7 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2023-7

DescriptionThis is long narrow sampler worked in a band format in shades of pink, purple, green, brown, tan, and blue silk embroidery threads on a natural colored linen ground. The embroidery threads vary in weight and a hem can be seen on the right side. From the top the sampler consists of:
"AA B CC DD EE FF G" uppercase block
Decorative geometric band
"G HH II JJ KK LL M [?]" uppercase block
Undulating band of cross stitch in multi colors
"M NN OO PP QQ RR" uppercase block
Band of chain stitch
"SS TT UU VV WW" uppercase block
Band of cross stitch in brick pattern
"XX YY ZZ" uppercase block; numerals "1-8"
Decorative band of cross stitch
"a-r" lowercase block
Band of herringbone stitch
"s-z" lowercase block followed by "Florida"
Band of double cross stitch
"Julia Fogarty aged 8"
years. work done in"
St. Augustine. E. F."
Band of double cross stitch in stair step pattern
"IHS" topped by a religious cross motif; a U-shaped floral band surrounds this
The sampler has no border.
Stitches: cross (over 2), double cross, herringbone
Label TextJulia Fogarty marked her band sampler twice with its origin--"Florida" and "St. Augustine E. F.," which stands for East Florid, an outdated term for England's division of Florida into East and West Florida, with St. Augustine and Pensacola the respective capitals.
The Fogartys were Roman Catholics from Tipperary, Ireland. Julia included the religious symbol "IHS", the abbreviation of the name of Jesus in Greek letters on her sampler--an indication of her Roman Catholic faith.
Inscribed"Florida"
St. Augustine. E. F."
"IHS"
ProvenanceThere is no known provenance other than vendor.

History of sampler maker:
Julia Fogarty (1835-1907) was the first born child of Patrick Fogarty (1810-1851) of the clan O'Fogartaigh in the County Tipperary and Elizabeth Hoolihan (1813-1890) of County Cork. The Roman Catholic family arrived in New York City in June of 1836 and soon after moved to St. Augustine, Florida, and in 1847 to Key West. In 1850, Patrick died. The family returned to New York in 1856. Julia graduated from the City of New York Normal School in 1859. Prior to her graduation, she married James Collier, a work associate of her brother Bartholomew. The 1880 census lists Julia as a widow. Taking up teaching as a means of support, she continued her education, receiving a degree from the Academy of Music in 1873, and a degree from the New York Normal Art School in 1892. Julia died on New Year's Day, 1907. There is no evidence that Julia had children of her own. In her will, she left her estate to her brother Bartholomew's two daughters, her nieces Lettie and Katie.