Sampler by E. Lee

Date1837 (dated)

Artist/Maker E. Lee

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 24 x 25 threads per inch with later stitches in wool (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOH 16 1/2" x OW 18"

Credit LineGift funds from The Antique Collectors' Guild and individual members: Drs. Charles & Stephanie Brooks; Dr. & Mrs. Henry P. Deyerle ; M/M E. Turnicliff Fox, Jr.; Dr. & Mrs. Harold M. Goodman; Col. & Mrs. E. Van Rensaleer Needels; Dr. Jean F. Wine; M/M Thomas W. Wood; Dr. & Mrs. P. Boyan; Dr. J. Latane Ware; Mr. Robert B. Eggleston; Mr. James H. Willcox, Jr.; M/M Edward B. Stvan; Mrs. Cabell Mayo Tabb; Dr. & Mrs. Richard I. Kent; M/M William E. Crawford, Jr.; Dr. & Mrs Thomas L. Munzel; Mr. Robert E. Crawford; Dr. & Mrs. Franklin P. Watkins in memory of G. Conner McGehee, Jr.

Object number1988-477

DescriptionThis is an unfinished almost square needlework sampler worked in faded shades of blue, green, and brown silk on a natural color linen ground. The sampler has selvages at sides and 1/4" hem at top and bottom. From top:
"A-L", "MNMNMN", "O-P", "QQ", "R-U"/, upper case worked in cross stitch.
Decorative band worked in double cross stitch.
"A-I", "K-O"/, uppercase script worked in cross stitch.
Decorative band in eyelet stitch.
"P-Z", uppercase script in cross stitch; "1-6"/. worked in cross stitch.
Greek key band worked in boxed cross stitch.
"a-z", lower case worked in cross stitch; "6-12"/, worked in cross stitch.
Decorative band worked in queen stitch.
Bottom half of sampler consists of the following verses: "The golden mean/ He that holds fast the golden mean/ And lives contentedly between/ The little and the great/ Feels not the wants that pinch the poor/ Nor plagues that haunt the rich mans door/ Imbitt'ring all his taste/ The tallest pines feel most the pow'r/ Of wint'ry blast; the loftiest tow'r/ Falls heaviest to the ground/ The bolts that spare the mountain side/ His cloud capt eminence divide/ And spread the ruin round" and "Present blessing undervalu [sic.]"
Bottom right corner of sampler appears to be unfinished with some later scattered stitches in wool. Signature line at bottom of sampler reads: "Wrought by E Lee for her affectionate teacher. Portsmouth Va July 24th". The year "1837" appears above "July" and "24th".
Sampler is bordered on all 4 sides by a double row of cross stitch. A drawn work border is at the top and bottom.

Stitches: cross (1 over 1 and 1 over 2), double cross, eyelet, four-sided, hem, queen, and satin
Label TextThis unfinished sampler provides an insight into the relationship of one schoolmistress and her student. The samplermaker stitched a brief commemoration to her teacher with the inscription, "Wrought by E. Lee for her affectionate teacher." E. Lee has not been identified at this time.
InscribedBottom half of sampler consists of the following verses: "The golden mean/ He that holds fast the golden mean/ And lives contentedly between/ The little and the great/ Feels not the wants that pinch the poor/ Nor plagues that haunt the rich mans door/ Imbitt'ring all his taste/ The tallest pines feel most the pow'r/ Of wint'ry blast; the loftiest tow'r/ Falls heaviest to the ground/ The bolts that spare the mountain side/ His cloud capt eminence divide/ And spread the ruin round" and "Present blessing undervalu [sic.]"
Bottom right corner of sampler appears to be unfinished with some later scattered stitches in wool. Signature line at bottom of sampler reads: "Wrought by E Lee for her affectionate teacher. Portsmouth Va July 24th". The year "1837" appears above "July" and "24th".
MarkingsLabel from back of sampler frame: "Ernest S. DeWick/ CUSTOM-MADE PICTURE FRAMES/ 294A Walkertown Road/ Black Mountain, N. C. 28711/ Phone: 704-669-8803"
ProvenanceThe sampler was found in the 1960s by Mrs. Knowles in a yarn shop in Kimberton, Pennsylvania. The owner of the sampler had died and no previous ownership was known. At present time, no connection with the Lee family of Virginia has been discovered. However, there were many Lees in the Portsmouth area.