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DS1989-0301
Sampler by Unknown Maker
DS1989-0301

Sampler by Unknown Maker

Dateca. 1828
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Norfolk
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 34 x 29 threads per inch (identification of fibers by eye)
DimensionsOH 13" x OW 24 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1988-501
DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler with the bottom fourth missing. It is worked in faded shades of blue, green, ivory, red, pink, brown, and yellow silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler is hemmed on two sides with a 1/4" hem, unhemmed at top, and has a fraying edge at bottom where sampler has been shortened.
The sampler is enclosed at top and sides with an outside Greek key border worked in cross stitch and an elaborate, inner floral border also worked in cross stitch. The verse worked in cross stitch at top of the sampler reads: "The daughter who loves her home will take a lively interest in all of its concerns and be solicitous to/ promote the happiness of the little circle of which she forms a part. NORFOLK VA/ We should prefer our duty to our pleasure".
Below verse is an elaborate water scene, probably of the port city of Norfolk, Virginia, worked in cross and outline stitches. The scene includes trees, buildings, fences, and 2 men in a boat with bales of cargo. Below the scene is a wave motif worked in double cross.
Stitches: cross (compound cross and looping lateral movement), double cross, and outline
Label TextThis sampler relates to other samplers worked in Norfolk, Virginia, between 1828 and 1834. These samplers are characterized by densely-worked landscapes and rose borders.
The verse in cross stitch at the top of the sampler, "The daughter who loves her home will take a lively interest in all of its concerns and be solicitous to promote the happiness of the little circle of which she forms a part," certainly reminded the young stitcher that a woman's place during this period was in her home.
Inscribed"The daughter who loves her home will take a lively interest in all of its concerns and be solicitous to/ promote the happiness of the little circle of which she forms a part. NORFOLK VA/ We should prefer our duty to our pleasure"
MarkingsA label attached to the back of the frame reads: "cf. Theodore Kapneck Collection of Samplers."
ProvenanceThis sampler was purchased in a New Hampshire auction from a private collector in 1988. A label which was on the back of the framed sampler reads, "cf. Theodore Kapneck Collection of Samplers." The person who wrote this label probably meant to compare this sampler with one in the Kapneck collection as this sampler does not appear in the Kapneck sale catalog.