Sampler by Unknown Maker

Date1734

MediumSilk embroidery on a pieced linen ground of 33 x 33 threads per inch (fiber identified in textile lab)

DimensionsOH: 85 1/2" x OW: 12 1/2"

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Object number1971-1480

DescriptionThis is a very long German sampler from 1734, made with polychrome silk threads on a linen ground. The first band features a man with grapes near his head, flowers (from Johan Sibmacher's Schon Neues Modelbuch), unicorn with a very long, horizontal horn (from Sibmacher), checkerboard, crown, two parrots, Christ on the crucifix with two figures and "INRI" written above (not from Sibmacher, but very common on eighteenth-century German samplers), "VICD ORIA 35" in a floral border, and various small geometric motifs from Sibmacher. The second band, which is very narrow, features a candle snuffer, a candlestick, a man on a horse slaying a dragon (from Sibmacher), a serpent-tailed bird (from Sibmacher), and a cat. The next band, which is much longer, has flowers (from Sibmacher), a leopard, swan, petite paschal lamb with the banner of the Cross (from Sibmacher), two symmetrical square arrangements of flowers (from Sibmacher), a church with a male figure and a flowering tree next to it, a woman holding a large vessel, a ship with a male figure, candlestick, two men playing checkers (seen in German and Netherlandish samplers), angel (possibly from Sibmacher), peacock (from Sibmacher), squirrel, two flowering fruit trees, pear, and a running stag that sits in the center of the stitched line that divides two bands. The fourth band has a pierced heart (from Sibmacher), a chicken and bear flanking a flowering tree, window, and key. The fifth band has a central cartouche flanked by two mermaids (from Sibmacher). In the cartouche is "MSR 1734." The band also has a crown and some small diamonds. The sixth band has a stag (from Sibmacher), two flowering plants in pots (from Sibmacher), a pierced heart (from Sibmacher), small diaper motifs (from Sibmacher), and two small birds. This band is followed by a large group of decorative bands, including bands of pomegranates, acorns, flowers, and geometric motifs. Below this series is a band that appears like one band, as the stitched lines that are meant to separate the bands span only half the width of the sampler. This band features a key-wielding lady and a gentleman flanking two small flowers, a big flowering plant in pots (from Sibmacher), a small male figure, woman spinning, small pot, small flowers, duck, lion, and a cartouche flanked by lions (from Sibmacher). Within the cartouche is "SCS 1734." The rest of the band has a paschal lamb with the flag of the Cross (from Sibmacher), horse with no ears, Adam and Eve flanking a flowering tree, Christ on the crucifix with two small figures and symbols of the Passion around him (including a chair, chalice, ladder, hourglass, and column with a rooster atop it), boxer figure (similar to those seen in seventeenth-century English band samplers), stag, dog, phoenix (from Sibmacher), flowers (from Sibmacher), peacock (from Sibmacher), and crowns. Below this band are alphabets and numerals. Numbers 1-10 come first, followed by letters N through Z with A through M on the next line. The next line has R through Z and then all numerals, followed by an extra 1 and crowns. The next line has letters A through Q. The next line has Y and Z followed by two sets of numerals in two different sizes. The next two lines have two alphabets of two different sizes, with 17__4 at the very end. The sampler is hemstitched on all four sides.

Stitches: cross, double running and four-sided stitch
Label TextThis very long sampler, which sits at just over seven feet, is an exceptional example of eighteenth-century German sampler-making. It is worked completely in reversible stitches, so that the back of the sampler looks like the mirror of the front. The sampler is divided into bands. Most bands feature a variety of motifs and scenes, including Adam and Eve and Christ on the crucifix, as well as stags, dragons, chickens, bears, peacocks, and human figures. Many of the images on the sampler came from Johan Sibmacher's Schon Neues Modelbuch, a pattern book first published in Germany in the sixteenth century. Sibmacher's book remained a seminal source for stitching inspiration for centuries. One of the sampler's bands features a cartouche, inside which "MSR 1734" is written. This is probably the maker's initials, as well as the year in which she completed her sampler.
InscribedFour alphabets and four sets of numerals
Markings"VICD ORIA 35"
"MSR 1734"
"SCS 1734"
"INRI" stitched twice
"C," "I," and "F" stitched randomly -- "C" and "I" stitched together, "F" stitched further down sampler
ProvenanceEx coll: Tomlinson, Mr. Schatzki; see manila folder for German sales tag.