Sampler by Nancy Prentis Barber

Date1800

Artist/Maker Nancy Prentis Barber (1790 - 1873)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 56 x 64 threads per inch with linen stitching threads and original frame and glass (identification of fibers by eye)

DimensionsFramed: OH 21 6/8" x OW 23 7/8" Actual: OH 19" x OW 21 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1987-34

DescriptionThis is a square needlework sampler on its original mount and in its original frame. The sampler is worked in faded shades of blues, yellow, gold, brown, off-white, and green silk threads on a natural linen ground. The sampler is hemmed on all four sides and pulled over a wooden stretcher and laced in back with linen thread. From the top the first quarter of the sampler consists of:
Decorative band worked in cross stitch
"A-Z&&" upper case block worked in cross stitch
Decorative band worked in double cross stitch
"1-12", "14-21" worked in cross stitch
Decorative band worked in herringbone stitch
"A-Z&." worked in upper case block cross stitch and "a-z&" worked in lower case block cross stitch
Decorative band worked in satin stitch and a variation of cross
The second quarter of the sampler consists of a verse divided into two columns that are separated by a zig-zag line worked in chain stitch. The verse reads: "No flocks that range the valley free/ To slaughter I condemn/ Taught dy [sic] the power that pities me/ I learn to pity them/ Then turn to night anb [sic] freely share/ What er my cell bestows/ My rushy couch and frugal fare/ My blessings anb [sic] repose." A zig-zag line worked in chain stitch separates the verse from the bottom half of the sampler.
The lower half of the sampler consists of a wreath flanked by cone-shaped trees, which are in turn flanked by green shrubs, and stars. The name "Janet" is stitched to the left of the wreath and the name "Paul" is stitched to its right. Within the wreath are the initials "BB", "IP", and "BB" followed by signature lines that read: "Nancy Prentis Barber Was Born in the/ Year of our Lorb [sic] 1790 August the 17". This line is followed by an undulating vine worked in chain stitch. Next are the lines: "Finisheb [sic] this Anna Dommina 1800/ Richmonb [sic] Virginia". At the bottom of the wreath is a green, embroidered ground worked in chain stitch from which six, evenly spaced plants emerge.
The entire sampler is enclosed with a meandering vine border with flowers, leaves and grapes.
In some areas the outline of the design can be seen where it was not filled in. Many of the a's, b's, d's, g's, and n's, are backwards or partially reversed.

Stitches: chain, cross variations, double cross, herringbone, outline, satin
Label TextAlthough Nancy Barber was a native of New London, Connecticut, she worked her sampler in Richmond, Virginia. It was unusual for girls to travel south for their education, however it is likely that Nancy was living with her grandfather, John Prentis, at the time she stitched her sampler. Another unusual feature of this sampler is the way Nancy occasionally reversed the letters a, b, d, g, and n; this pattern might indicate that Nancy had a learning disorder such as dyslexia.

The verse that Nancy stitched onto her sampler is taken from a ballad included in Oliver Goldsmith's Novel, "The Vicar of Wakefield". Curiously, the verses have been reversed; the verse that begins "Then turn to night" comes before the verse that begins "No flocks that range."

The initials stitched within the medallion have been identified as Nancy's parents Benjamin Barber (d. 1791), Bridget Prentis Barber (1764-1832), and stepfather, John Prentis (1736-1801). Although the initials for John Prentis are stitched as "IP", the letters "I" and "J" were interchangeable at the time Nancy stitched her sampler as there was no standardized alphabet.
Inscribed"No flocks that range the valley free/ To slaughter I condemn/ Taught dy [sic] the power that pities me/ I learn to pity them/ Then turn to night anb [sic] freely share/ What er my cell bestows/ My rushy couch and frugal fare/ My blessings anb [sic] repose."
"Janet", "Paul"
"BB", "IP", and "BB"
ProvenanceNo provenance other than vendor's is known.

History of Maker:

Nancy Prentis Barber was the daughter of Benjamin Barber (d. 1791) and Bridget Prentis (1764-1832). As documented on the sampler, Nancy was born on August 17, 1790. In 1808 Nancy married Henry Hempstead (1788-1883). They had ten children born between the years 1809 and 1835: Henry Prentis (1809-1874); Nancy Hempstead Coit (1811-1894); Benjamin B. (1813-1887); John Prentis (1815-1862); Denison (1817-1895); Harriet Hemstead Lee (1820-1900); Elias (1823-1884); Coit (1827-1831); Wolcott (1832-1832); and George W. (1835-1875). Nancy died in New London, Connecticut on January 13, 1873, and is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London.