Sampler by Unknown Maker

Date182[6 or 8]

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 29 x 33 threads per inch (fiber identification by binocular microscope)

DimensionsOH: 17" x OW: 21 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1996-825

DescriptionThis is an unfinished needlework sampler worked in faded shades of green, brown, gold, and yellow silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler is hemmed at top and bottom in a 3/16" hem and has selvages at sides.
The top third of the sampler consists or alphabets, numerals, and bands:
"A-I" "K-W" upper case block, worked in cross stitch
Band of cross stitch
"a-s s t u" lower case block, "X Y Z" upper case block, "&" "v-z" lower case block, "&" small diamond motif, "1-9 0 0", worked in cross stitch
Band of double row of double cross stitch
"A-Z" upper case block, "&" small diamond motif, "1-9 0 0", worked in four-sided stitch
Band of herringbone and flat stitches
"A-T" upper case block, worked in double cross stitch
Band of sawtooth in satin stitch with row of four-sided stitch
"a-u" lower case block, worked in cross over one, "U-Z" upper case block and "&" worked in double cross, "v w w x y z" lower case block, small diamond motif, "1--9", worked in cross over one
A band of undulating vine and buds/strawberries divides the top section of the sampler from the middle.
The middle portion of the sampler is divided into three sections. The area to the right consists of a densely worked scene of a tree, buildings with blue roofs, and a waterway with a boat holding a man with bales of cargo. A verse in the upper left of this area reads: "In judging of others let us think this/ best, and employ the spirit/ of charity and candour./ But in judging of/ ourselves we ought/ to be exact and/ severe."
In the center of the middle portion of the sampler is a large basket with a bow and flowers spilling out resting on a table top. Beneath the basket is the verse: "What is the blooming tincture of the skin./ To peace of mind and harmony within?/ What the bright sparkling of the finest eye/ [To] the soft soothing of a calm reply?/ Can comlines[s of form or shape or air]/ With com[liness of w] or[ds and] de[eds compare]/ No T[hose at first the unwary heart may] gain/ But these on[ly can the heart retain."
Below the verse is the signature line: "Norfolk Va [?] [AD] 182[6 or 8]."
The area to the right in the middle portion of the sampler consists of a densely worked scene with a fence, building, and tree. A verse in the upper right of this area reads: "A constant habit of unprofitable/ amusements enfeebles the tone/ of the mind and renders it enca-/apble of application study or virtue/ Ti[?] an/ estate."
The bottom section of the sampler is divided by a band of 5 rows of double cross stitches.
The very bottom section of the sampler where a signature line often appears is void, suggesting that the sampler was never completed.
The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in a Greek key border.

Stitches: back, cross over one and two, double cross, flat, four-sided, herringbone, outline, queen, satin, and straight
Label TextThere was no lack of needlework teachers or seminaries in Norfolk, Virginia, during the first three decades of the nineteenth century. This sampler is similar to others created in Norfolk during this time period. The samplers are characterized by densely worked scenes. Most include the place name, "Norfolk."
Inscribed"Norfolk Va [?] [AD] 182[6 or 8]"
A verse in the upper left of the middle section reads: "In judging of others let us think this/ best, and employ the spirit/ of charity and candour [sic]./ But in judging of/ ourselves we ought/ to be exact and/ severe."
Beneath the basket is the verse: "What is the blooming tincture of the skin./ To peace of mind and harmony within?/ What the bright sparkling of the finest eye/ [To] the soft soothing of a calm reply?/ Can comlines[s of form or shape or air]/ With com[liness of w] or[ds and] de[eds compare]/ No T[hose at first the unwary heart may] gain/ But these on[ly can the heart retain."
A verse in the upper right of the middle section reads: "A constant habit of unprofitable/ amusements enfeebles the tone/ of the mind and renders it enca-/apble of application study or virtue/ Ti[?] an/ estate."

ProvenancePer Salvatore A. Rizzuto of Bally, Pennsylvania, in 1996 the sampler "was sold at a small auction to a dealer, in turn sold to another person, then acquired by me." No further history or provenance is known at this time.