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DS2006-0174
Sampler by Catherine S. Camp
DS2006-0174

Sampler by Catherine S. Camp

DateCa. 1830
Artist/Maker Catharine S. Camp
OriginAmerica, Alabama or Georgia or North Carolina or South Carolina
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 29 warp x 27 weft threads per inch (fiber identification by Textile Lab)
DimensionsOH 17 1/2" x OW 17 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1990-196
DescriptionThis is a square needlework sampler worked in shades of ivory, green, black, brown, blue, peach, and yellow/gold silk threads on a natural color linen ground. Sampler is hemmed with a 3/16" hem at top and bottom with selvages at sides.
From top the sampler consists of:
"A" through "I" or "J" and "K-R", upper case script worked in cross stitch.
Band worked in cross stitch.
"S-Z", upper case script and "1-12" worked in cross stitch.
Band worked in cross stitch.
"A-MMNN-X", upper case block worked in cross stitch.
Band worked in cross stitch.
"a-z" lower case, block and "Y-Z" upper case block worked in cross stitch.
Band worked in queen stitch.
The middle section consists of 2 flowers worked in satin stitch flanking the verse: "Jesus permit thy gracious name to stand/ As the first effort of an infants hand/ And while her fingers oer this canvass move/ Engage her tender heart to seek thy love/ With thy own children let her share apart/ And write thy name thyself upon her heart."
Below this is a band worked in cross stitch and the verses: "All is the gift of industry/ Whatever exalts embellishes/ and renders life delightful" and "Count that day lost/ Whose low descending sun/ Views from thy hand/ no worthy action done." In the center of the verses is the signature line. "Catherine S Camp/ aged 12 years."
Below verses and signature line is a band worked in cross stitch. The bottom third of sampler consists of an unfinished scene of a town including 6 houses/buildings and trees.

Technical notes: Ground fabric: 29 warps X 27 wefts per inch.

Stitches: cross, queen, hem, split, satin, and backstitch.
Label TextThe verse, "Jesus permit thy gracious..." is the most popular verse seen on American and English samplers. The verse, "Count that day lost..." was published in Boston in 1803 in Staniford's Art of Reading. The verse, "All is the gift of industry..." was extracted from James Thomson's poem "Autumn," which first appeared in print in 1730.
Inscribed"Jesus permit thy gracious name to stand/ As the first effort of an infants hand/ And while her fingers oer this canvass move/ Engage her tender heart to seek thy love/ With thy own children let her share apart/ And write thy name thyself upon her heart."
"All is the gift of industry/ Whatever exalts embellishes/ and renders life delightful"
"Count that day lost/ Whose low descending sun/ Views from thy hand/ no worthy action done."
ProvenanceSampler was purchased by the Henches from a dealer who came from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Sampler was thought to be a North Carolina piece by the dealer. Further research indicates that Camps were located in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama during the early 19th century.