Sampler by Mary Welsh
Dateca. 1770
Artist/Maker
Mary Welsh
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 32 x 26 threads per inch
DimensionsOH: 23" OW: 16 3/4"; Needlework: 21" X 15"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1962-309
DescriptionSampler: "Mary Welsh Her Sampler Wrought in the 12 Year of Her Age", featuring shepherd and shepherdess tending sheep in pastoral setting, with house, trees, and birds (worked in satin stitch) in background against a pale-blue sky; sampler alphabet and stitchery, with pious verse, "On earth let my example shine/ and when I leave this state/ May heaven receive this soul of mine/ To bliss divinely great", worked in chain stitch in pale-blue, greens, brown, ivory, rose, and black; all within border of undulating strawberry vine. Stitches: detached buttonhole, eyelet, French knots, herringbone, marking cross, outline, satin
Label TextA group of Boston samplers worked between 1760 and 1790 feature motifs found on the "Fishing Lady" pictures. A reclining shepherdess, male "pole vaulter," spotted black dog, and trio of sheep--two white and one black--in this sampler are found on other Boston samplers and needlework.
Mary was the daughter of John Welsh, a Boston jeweler, and Mary Parker.
Inscribed"Mary Welsh Her Sampler Wrought in the 12 Year of Her Age"
"On earth let my example shine/ and when I leave this state/ May heaven receive this soul of mine/ To bliss divinely great"
ProvenanceMary was the daughter of John Welsh, a Boston jeweler, and Mary Parker.
1760 (dated)
1837 (dated)
