Sampler by Elizabeth Dennis

Dateca. 1805

Artist/Maker Elizabeth Dennis

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground (identification of fibers by eye)

DimensionsApprox. 15 1/2" x 17 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1996-68

DescriptionThis is an unfinished needlework sampler worked in shades of blue, green, tan, pink, maroon, and ivory silk threads on a natural color linen ground. Sampler is hemmed at sides and bottom and has a selvage at top. The top half of the sampler consists of:
"A-I K-N" uppercase block in double cross stitch
Band of double cross
"A-I K-N" uppercase block eyelet stitch
Band of eyelet stitch
"A-I K-O" upper case script in cross stitch over 2
Band of cross stitch over 2
"P-Z" uppercase script in cross stitch over 2
Band of cross over 2
"A-I K-S" uppercase block in cross stitch over 1
Band of cross stitch
"a-i k-z" lower case block in cross over 1, "1-12"
Undulating strawberry and vine band in cross stitch over 1
The bottom half of the sampler consists of the following verse flanked by birds within sprigs: "Almighty power whose tender care/ Did infancy protect/ Let riper years thy favour share/ And every step direct." Beneath verse is the signature line: Elizabeth Dennis worked this at/ Mrs. Smith's School in the 7 year of her age." The bottom fifth of sampler is unfinished. The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in an undulating strawberry and vine border.

Stitches: cross (over 1 and 2), double cross, and eyelet

Label TextElizabeth Dennis did not complete the sampler she began at Mrs. Smith's school when she was just six years old. Little is known about Elizabeth or the school that Mrs. Smith operated.

Inscribed"Almighty power whose tender care/ Did infancy protect/ Let riper years thy favour share/ And every step direct"
ProvenanceHistory of maker:
Per Gloria Allen, there was an Elizabeth Dennis born December 6, 1792, and christened on April 29, 1793 at St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
Per Sumpter Priddy, Elizabeth Dennis married Abel P. Upshur (1740 -1844), Richmond lawyer and judge, member of Virginia legislature, and secretary of the Navy under President Tyler, and Secretary of State in 1843. He was killed in an explosion of the steamer Princeton on February 28, 1844.
Handwritten note with sampler states: "Done in 1804/" Elizabeth Dennis/ Married To/ Abel P. Upshur/ was/ Secretary of State/ Under/ Zachery Taylor."