Sampler by Ann Carlon

DateMay 9, 1812 (dated)

Artist/Maker Ann Carlon

OriginAmerica, District of Columbia, Washington

MediumSilk and silk chenille embroidery threads on a linen ground of 29 warps x 34 wefts per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOH: 17 3/4" x OW: 13"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1996-228,A

DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler worked in shades of green, green/blue, yellow, gold, black, ivory, and what was originally orange/red/pink silk embroidery threads on a natural-color linen ground. The sampler has a selvage at right side and raw edges at top, bottom, and left side. From the top the sampler consists of a centered geometric band. Below this is the verse: "On Virtue/ Of Virtue who can estimate the worth?/ her obligation time can ne'er unhinge;/ nor creature will, nor fancy gave her birth/ reality incapable of change./ Wit, learning, beauty, each ennobling art/ shall like a dream, or airy Phantom, fly;/ but virtue, twisted round the human heart,/ soars with the soul to immortality."
Below verse is a large basket of fruit (strawberries?) with a bow of chenille threads. The basket sits on a grassy ground. Below this is the signature line, "Ann Carlon Her Work/ Washington City May 9th/ 1812." The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in a naturalistic strawberry and vine border.

Stitches: cable chain, chain, coral knot, couched, cross over 1 and 2, tent or half cross, outline, queen, and satin
Label TextAnn Carlon's sampler is a decorative early Washington City sampler. The open ground, intricate border, variety of stitches, and use of chenille threads are features seen on other documented Washington samplers of this period.
Inscribed"On Virtue/ Of Virtue who can estimate the worth?/ her obligation time can ne'er unhinge;/ nor creature will, nor fancy gave her birth/ reality incapable of change./ Wit, learning, beauty, each ennobling art/ shall like a dream, or airy Phantom, fly;/ but virtue, twisted round the human heart,/ soars with the soul to immortality"
ProvenanceThis sampler was advertised as part of a local estate and sold at Hantman's Auctions in October 1995. The next recorded owner was Kelly Kinzle of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Colonial Williamsburg purchased the sampler from Sumpter Priddy, III in 1996.

History of Sampler maker:
Ann Carlon may have been the daughter of James and Margaret Carlon or of William Carlon and his unidentified wife. Both households in the 1800 US census for Washington City included one or more girls under the age of ten.