Images(3)

Sampler by Mercy Hopkins

Date1800

Artist/Maker Mercy Hopkins

OriginAmerica, New Jersey, Burlington County

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 27 x 27 threads per inch

DimensionsOW: 13 3/4"; OH: 16 1/4"

Credit LineAnonymous gift in memory of Suzanne S. Flinn

Object number1992-149

DescriptionThis is a small rectangular needlework sampler worked in shades of green, pink, orange/red, blue, ivory, black, gold, and brown silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler is hemmed on all four sides with a 1/4" hem worked in a hem stitch. The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in a decorative vine border of flowers and strawberries. A simple inner border is worked in cross stitch.
The top fourth of the sampler consists of:
"A-I" "K-M M N" upper case block
Cross stitch band
"N-Z" upper case block
Eyelet stitch band
"&" "a-u" lower case block
Queen's stitch band
"v-z" lower case block
"1-11 1 2 3"
Double eyelet stitch band
The second quarter of the sampler consists of a central stylized flower with six flanking birds, two flanking pine trees and two dogs. Below this is a sawtooth band. The third quarter of the sampler consists of:
"A-I" upper case block in eyelet stitch
A simple band in four-sided stitch
"K L [?] M-S" upper case block in eyelet stitch
Band of double cross
The bottom fourth of sampler consists of the signature line, "Mercy Hopkins Work in her 21 [sic] Year 1800/ Let Virtue Bee [sic] A Guide to The." Below this is a central stylized tree flanked by four birds, three dogs, two trees, heart, diamond, lion on a grassy hillock, and a reclining stag in grass. The remains of what appears to be its original green ribbon can be seen on all four edges.

Stitches: cross, double cross, eyelet, four-sided, hem, queen's, outline, and satin, outline

Ground: 27 x 27 threads per inch.
Label TextThis sampler is closely related to one worked by Charlotte Hough of Burlington County and inscribed with the schoolteacher's name, Sarah Shoemaker, and the date 1799. The wide-eyed stag, bold saw tooth band, pine trees, hearts, and border of queen's stitch strawberries and flowers are present on both samplers.
Inscribed"Mercy Hopkins Work in her 21 Year 1800/ Let Virtue Bee [sic] A Guide to The."
MarkingsSee description
ProvenanceHistory of maker:
At the present time Mercy Hopkins has not been identified. Research reveals, however, a number of Hopkins in Burlington and other nearby New Jersey counties in the eighteenth century.