Sampler by Martha Stebbing

Date1798

Artist/Maker Martha Stebbing

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a wool ground of 42 x 42 threads per inch (fiber identification by textile lab)

DimensionsOH: 13 5/8"; OW: 12"

Credit LineAnonymous gift.

Object number1971-1753

DescriptionThis is an almost square sampler worked in shades of red, green, yellow, black, and brown silk embroidery threads on a natural color wool ground. The sampler is divided into four sections. The first consists of an undulating alphabet, separated from the second section by a vine with stylized tulips growing alternately in opposite directions. The second area is bound on either side by triangular shaped trees, either evergreens or pines. In the center an ornamental bush is flanked on either side by large urn shaped containers filled with flowers and with a bird perched on each one. The third section has three large bowls of flowers. The ones at either end are filled with carnations and the one in the middle (the largest of the three) has stylized tulips and rose buds in it. The bottom section contains two verses: on the left, "Have/A fixt Regard to/the Commands of/God"; on the right, "Modest/and prudent behaviour/is a Sign of/Wisdom." They are separated by the embroider's name and the date -- "Martha Stebbing, Watton, 1798." Just beneath is a small border filled with birds and various kinds of animals. The entire sampler is surrounded by a "strawberry vine" border. There are selvedges on all four sides.

The sampler was originally framed and hung from two metal rings located at the top and may be contemporary to the piece.

Stitches: cross
Label TextThe maker of this sampler wrote not only her name, but also her town on her sampler, making it possible to identify her and celebrate her work more than 200 years after she stitched her sampler. Martha Stebbing, who lived in Watton, Norfolk, on the east coast of England, made her sampler when she was 11 or 12 years old. The octagonal shapes that frame her inscriptions are very typical of samplers from Norfolk.
Inscribed"Have/A fixt Regard to/the Commands of/God"
"Martha Stebbing/Watton/1798"
"Modest/and prudent behaviour/is a Sign of/ Wisdom"
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceHistory of sampler maker:
Martha Stebbing was born on April 12th, 1786 in Watton, Norfolk, England to Richard Stebbing and Ann Webster. She would have been 11 or 12 years old when she stitched her sampler, and evidently she did not travel far to learn how to stitch, given that the sampler is inscribed with "Watton." She had at least four siblings. It is not known when Martha died.