Sampler by Elizabeth Weston

DateMarch 7, 1803 (dated)

Artist/Maker Elizabeth Weston

MediumSilk embroidery threads on wool ground of 54 x 54 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOW 12 1/8" x OH 16 1/2"

Credit LineGift funds from The Antique Collectors' Guild and individual members: Dr. & Mrs. J. Latane Ware,Dr. & Mrs. Bruce W. Booth, Mrs. Cabell Mayo Tabb, Dr. & Mrs. Robert B. Eggleston, Dr & Mrs. Hunter M. Baunt, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Julian R. Irvin, Mrs. Emily Spencer Dr. & Mrs Franklin P. Watkins, Dr. David L. Hurt, Mr. Thomas M. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. David L. Peebles , Mr. & Mrs. Edward B. Stvan, Mr. James H. Willcox, Jr.; and the Williamsburg Rose & Thistle EGA via Patricia Talbot and Gail Thomas. Anne E. Meyer, Mrs. Mary Lou McKibben.

Object number1995-208,A

DescriptionThis is a rectangular sampler stitched in silk embellishment threads in shades of red, green, gold, blue, brown and black on a natural-colored worsted ground. From top, there is the alphabet in capital block letters "A-T" and "V-Z" and numbers "1-8". A blue wave motif separates this line from the next, which contains the alphabet in lower-case block print "a-t" and "v-z" and numbers "9-15" and "1". Below this, finishing the top quarter of the sampler, is a small decorative band and below that, a larger decorative band with a flower and meandering vine motif. The second quarter of the sampler is dominated by the verse "If you desire to worship God aright/ First in the morning pray and last at night/ Crave for his blessing on your labours all/And in distress for is [sic.] assistance call". The verse ends with a crown motif. The verse is bordered on the sides by symmetrical birds and vases of flowers. The third quarter of the sampler contains symmetrical isolated motifs of birds, butterflies, flower or fruit baskets, and vases of flowers. There is one larger vase of flowers in the center of the designs. The bottom quarter of the sampler gives the maker's name and date: "Elizabeth Weston/ Finish'd this March the 7th 1803/ age'd 9 years". Under this attribution is a Georgian brick house with four chimneys, and a fence, one of the posts of which houses a beehive toward which eight bees are swarming. There are two trees and a flowering plant in the foreground to the right of the fence, and ten small trees in the background. Between the two foreground trees there is a black figure dressed in brown and white check. The figure is barefoot and carries a stick in his (anatomical) right hand. He has light brown hair or is wearing a hat of that color. The entire sampler is bordered by a meandering vine and strawberry motif.
Stitches: cross and satin.
Label TextIt is likely that the figure depicted in Elizabeth Weston's precisely stitched sampler is Harlequin, a comic character who originated in the Italian Commedia dell'Arte. Harlequin plays were written as late as the 1790s in England and may well be the inspiration for the figure on this sampler. Harlequin and other Commedia dell'arte characters are more typically seen in Meissen and Chelsea porcelain figures produced during the mid-18th century. It is quite rare to find this figure on a sampler.
Inscribed"If you desire to worship God aright/ First in the morning pray and last at night/ Crave for his blessing on your labours all/ And in distress for is [sic.] assistance call"
ProvenanceSampler sold as Lot 911 in Northeast Auctions, August 5-6, 1995 sale.