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2023-93, Sampler
Sampler by Ann Margaret Weaver
2023-93, Sampler

Sampler by Ann Margaret Weaver

Date1816
Maker Ann Margaret Weaver (1804-1879) (1804 - 1878)
OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
MediumSilks and crinkled silks on linen ground of 34 wefts by 31 warps per inch (fiber identification by eye)
Dimensions17 3/8" H by 16 3/4" W
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-93
DescriptionThis is an almost square sampler worked in shades of beige, green, purple, black, blue, yellow, and red silk and crinkled silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler contains an embroidered poem in a central 8-sided frame: "Joy and Sorrow/ Still where rosy pleasure leads,/ See a kindred grief pursue,/ Behind the steps that misery threads,/ Approaching comforts view./ The hues of bliss more brightly glow,/ Chastis'd by sable tints of wo,/ And blended form with artful strife,/ The strength and harmony of life." Below the poem is the inscription: "Philadelphia December 24th". A flower basket sits beneath the frame and flowers (including violets) and grapes surround it. In a horizontal frame below this is the inscription, "Respectfully presented to Michael and Margaret Weaver by their affectionate / daughter Ann Margaret Weaver in the 13th year of her age 1816." There is an inner sawtooth border, a border of undulating floral vine, and an outer border of queen stitch on all four sides. The sampler is finished with selvages at top and bottom and 3/16-inch hems at sides.
Stitches: cross over 1 and 2, chain, couching, French knot variation, outline, queen, satin
Label TextThis sampler is one of the earliest recorded examples within a group of samplers known as the "Philadelphia presentation samplers." At least fifteen related examples are known, with the format remaining popular until around 1839. The telltale characteristic of the samplers is the inscription that begins, "Respectfully presented to." In this sampler, Ann Margaret's dedication is to her parents, Michael and Margaret Weaver.
Inscribed"Joy and Sorrow/ Still where rosy pleasure leads,/ See a kindred grief pursue,/ Behind the steps that misery threads,/ Approaching comforts view./ The hues of bliss more brightly glow,/ Chastis'd by sable tints of wo,/ And blended form with artful strife,/ The strength and harmony of life."
"Philadelphia December 24th"
Provenance1816, made by Ann Margaret Weaver [1804-1879] for her parents, Michael Weaver [1783-1853] and Anna Margaret Weaver (formerly Kurtz) [1787-1879] (Philadelphia, PA); ?-1975, anonymous family member [1920-2013] (Philadelphia, PA and Williamsburg, VA); 1975-2023, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present, transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).