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1958.608.1, Samper
Sampler by Catharine Mary Wheeler
1958.608.1, Samper

Sampler by Catharine Mary Wheeler

Date1825 (dated)
Artist/Maker Catharine Mary Wheeler (active ca. 1825)
Made under direction of Jane Keys
OriginAmerica, New Jersey or Pennsylvania (probably)
MediumSilk embroidery threads with silk appliqué and ink on a cotton ground of 28 x 29 threads per inch
DimensionsSampler by sight: OW 26" x OH 23 3/4" Framed: OW 27 3/4" x OH 25 1 /2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1958.608.1
DescriptionThis is a large, almost square needlework sampler worked in silk threads on a linen ground. The upper region consists of a large eagle with arrows in its talons and leaves in its beak over a swag of flowers. Below the swag are two verses: "See youth and beauty bloom one transient hour/ But age leaves not one flat[t]ering trace behind/ But there is one charm over which time has no Poser/ The beauty of a cultivated mind/ Haste then dear youth and make this charm thine own/ See meek religion points you out the way/ Give her thy hand and she will lead thee on/ Where virtue blooms in eternal day."
The bottom half of the sampler consists of a two-story house with two chimneys and 5 shuttered windows flanked by trees, birds, and baskets of flowers. The house sits on a lawn depicting a pastoral scene of roosters, hens, chicks, sheep, flowers, and two human figures with faces detailed in ink.
Below this is the signature line, "Wrought by Catherine Mary Wheeler in the 13th years of her age. Jane Keys Instructress of Brunswick School, 1825."
The sampler is enclosed at top and sides in an arcaded border of flowers and framed.

Stitches: chain, cross, eyelet (round), fly, knots (fuzzy), lazy daisy, outline, queen, queen (half), satin (random and encroaching), spot stitches (random), straight
Label TextA fine example of schoolgirl needlework, this composition credits the young maker's instructress, Jane Keys, in the lower margin. Although Catharine's "Brunswick School" has not yet been located, her method of grouping motifs and the colors used in the embroidery both suggest a New Jersey or Pennsylvania provenance.
InscribedWorked in black silk threads through the center of the sampler is "See youth and beauty bloom one transient hour/But age leaves not one flat(t)ering trace behind/But there is one charm over which time has no Power/The beauty of a cultivated mind/Haste then dear youth and make this charm thine own/See meek religion points you out the way/ Give her thy hand and she will lead thee on/ Where virtue blooms in eternal day."
In black silk threads in the lower border is‚ "Wrought by Catharine Mary Wheeler in the 13 year of her age Jane Keys Instructress of Brunswick School 1825."
ProvenanceJ. Stuart Halladay and Herrel George Thomas, Sheffield, Mass. Halladay died in 1951, leaving his interest in their jointly-owned collection to his partner, Thomas. Thomas died in 1957, leaving his estate to his sister, Mrs. Albert N. Petterson, who was AARFAM's vendor.