Images(2)

Sampler by Emma Page

Date1840-1850

Artist/Maker Emma Page (1833-1860)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Clarke County

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a cotton ground of 80 x 82 threads per inch (fabric identification by textile lab)

DimensionsOW: 5 1/2" x OW: 3 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1981-162

DescriptionThis is a small, rectangular, unhemmed sampler worked in shades of green, blue, brown, and beige silk embroidery threads on a cotton ground. The top half of the sampler consists of a verse which reads, "Their [sic] is my house and/ portion fair. My treasure/ and my heart are there./ and my abiding home./ For me my elder brethren/ stay and angels beckon/ me away and Jesus/ bids me come"; one band, and a signature line which reads, "Emma Page her work." The bottom half of the sampler is made up of 2 bands and detached motifs consisting of a dog, flowers, flowers in urns, 8-sided stars, crosses, and flower buds. The sampler is enclosed on all 4 sides by a flowered border.

Stitches: cross, herringbone
Label TextEmma was born at her family estate, Pagebrook, in 1833. She married Philip Nelson of Nelson County and had two children before "angels beckoned her away" in 1860 at the early age of twenty-seven.
Inscribed"Their [sic] is my house and/ portion fair. My treasure/ and my heart are there./ and my abiding home./ For me my elder brethren/ stay and angels beckon/ me away and Jesus/ bids me come"
ProvenanceHistory of sampler maker:
Emma Page was the daughter of John E. and Emily McGuire Page. She was born at the family estate, Pagebrook, August, 1833. She married in 1853, Philip Nelson of Nelson County, Virginia, and had 2 children, William and Emily. She died in October, 1860.