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2023-86, Sampler
Sampler by Ann J. Hammond
2023-86, Sampler

Sampler by Ann J. Hammond

Dateca. 1820
Maker Ann Jackson Hammond (1815 - 1882)
OriginAmerica, West Virginia, Jefferson County
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 23 warps by 22 wefts per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsH: 18" x W: 16" (Dimension does not take into account the 1/2" of sampler that is folded under on all four sides.)
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-86
DescriptionThis is a rectangular sampler worked in light brown, pink, green, and black silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler has two uppercase alphabets and a verse: "Jesus permit thy gracious name to stand/ As the first effort of an infant hand/ And while her fingers o'er this canvas move/ Engage her tender heart to seek thy love/ With thy dear children let her share a part/ And write thy name theyself upon her heart". Near the bottom of the sampler in a rectangular reserve bordered in queen stitch is the signature line: "Ann J. Hammond". The sampler has a rosebud, vine, and bow border on all four sides. It is finished with selvages top and bottom, and 1/4" hems at sides.
Stitches: cross, double cross, eyelet, herringbone, queen
Inscribed"Jesus permit thy gracious name to stand/ As the first effort of an infant hand/ And while her fingers o'er this canvas move/ Engage her tender heart to seek thy love/ With thy dear children let her share a part/ And write thy name theyself upon her heart"
Provenance1801, made by Ann Jackson Hammond [1815-1882] (Jefferson County, VA - later West Virginia); ? , Mrs. Algernon S. Sullivan [formerly Mary Mildred Hammond, 1836-1933] (Winchester, VA); 1923 -2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023 - present, transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)