Sampler by Sarah Araline Huse

Date1813

Artist/Maker Sarah Araline Huse

MediumSilk and wool embroidery threads on a linen ground of 33 x 29 threads per inch

Dimensions6 3/8" X 9 3/8"

Credit LineBequest of Grace Hartshorn Westerfield

Object number1974-685

DescriptionThis is a small rectangular needlework sampler worked in shades of red, blue, black, and yellow silk and wool embellishment threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler is hemmed on all four sides with a 1/4" hem. From the top: "A-II" upper case block worked in cross stitch.
Cross stitch band.
"K-U" upper case block worked in cross stitch.
Cross stitch band.
"V-Z" upper case block, ampersand, "1-4" all worked in cross stitch.
Cross stitch band.
"5-10", "a-h" lower case block worked in cross stitch.
Cross stitch band.
"i", "?-w" lower case block worked cross stitch.
Cross stitch band.
"xy" lower case block and decorative saw tooth band worked in cross stitch and eyelet.
Cross stitch band.
The middle section of the sampler consists of a verse from William Congreve's "The Mourning Bride" worked in cross stitch: "Beauty soon grows/familiar to the eye/ Virtue alone has/ charms that never die" This is followed by a decorative diamond band.
The bottom section of the sampler consists of the signature line: "Wrought by Sarah/Araline Huse xxx/Aged 6 years x 1813."
The sampler is enclosed on all four sides with a cross and drawn stitch border.

Stitches: cross, eyelet (variation of), hem, and drawn
Label TextSarah was just six years old when she completed her alphabet sampler. It might have been the first of a series of needlework projects she worked.
Inscribed"Beauty soon grows/familiar to the eye/ Virtue alone has/ charms that never die."
ProvenanceThe sampler was a bequest of Grace Hartshorn Westerfield. No further provenance is known.