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1961-57, Sampler
Sampler by Mary Starkey
1961-57, Sampler

Sampler by Mary Starkey

Date1760 (dated)
Artist/Maker Mary Starkey (1749-1774)
OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Newbury
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 46 x 44 threads per inch (fiber identification by textile lab)
DimensionsOH: 23" x OW: 15 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1961-57
DescriptionThis is a large rectangular needlework sampler worked in silk embroidery threads in faded shades of cream, apricot, coral, rust, brown, tan, yellow, yellow/greens, blue/greens, pale-blue, indigo, and purple on a natural color linen ground. There are raw edges on all four sides.
The top half of the sampler consists of three alphabets and various decorative bands, one of which is a large floral and bird band and another is a sawtooth band in satin stitches.
The middle section of the sampler consists of a lower case alphabet, numerals 1-10, decorative bands and motifs and a signature and verse which reads: "Mary Starkey [b] orn January 9 1749 [T]his samplar wrouthe the Year 1760/ Goodness and Mercy Ever follow [t]hose who shape there Conduct by/ Gods Holy Laws - Mary Starkey born in Newbury New England."
The bottom section of the sampler consists of a scene, often referred to as the "chase" scene, with a central fruit tree flanked by large urns of flowers, a leaping stag and deer, birds, and rabbits on an undulating green landscape.

Stitches: chain, cross, eyelet, French knots, long arm cross, queen, outline, satin, tent
Label TextMary Starkey's sampler belongs to an early group of Newbury samplers characterized by large blue urns, sawtooth bands, bold stylized floral bands, and animals and fruit trees in the bottom section. This sampler, known as the "Chase Sampler" because of the running deer at the bottom, was offered by Colonial Williamsburg as an adapted needlework kit from 1967 to 1997.
Inscribed"Mary Starkey [b] orn January 9 1749 [T]his samplar wrouthe the Year 1760/ Goodness and Mercy Ever follow [t]hose who shape there Conduct by/ Gods Holy Laws - Mary Starkey born in Newbury New England"
ProvenanceNo provenance prior to the sampler's acquisition by CWF from Ginsburg and Levy, Inc. is known.

History of Maker:
Mary Starkey, born January 9, 1749, was the eldest daughter of Captain William Starkey (c. ca. 1718, d. Oct. 28, 1766) and Mary Kent Starkey (b. June 8, 1725, d. Aug. 7, 1753) of Portsmouth and Newburyport, Massachusetts. When Mary was five years old her mother died in 1753. On June 21, 1770, Mary wed William Greenough in Portsmouth. Mary died on May 5, 1774. She was buried at Old Burying Hill in Newburyport. Her gravestone, which still stands today, reads "Here lies Buried/ the Body of/ Mrs. Mary Greenough/ the amible [sic] Consort of/ William Greenough/ eldest daur. of Capt. William/ Mrs. Mary Starkey/ who Departed this Life/ May ye 5th 1774/ in ye 26th Year of her Age."
(http://gravematter.smugmug.com "Old Burying Hill")

No information is known of the descent of the sampler.