Images(3)

Sampler by Ann Hill

Date1790-1830

Artist/Maker Ann Hill

OriginEngland or Scotland

MediumSilk and wool embroidery threads on a worsted ground of 52 x 52 threads per inch

DimensionsOW: 8" OH: 12"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-377

DescriptionThis is a small sampler worked in shades of olive-green, rose, pink, coral, green, yellow, gold, and black worsted threads with ivory and light-blue silk threads on a natural worsted (tabby-woven) ground. The top half of the sampler consists of the verse and signature line: "When in the night I sleepless lie/ My soul with heavenly thoughts/ supply. let not ill dreams disturb my/ rest nor powers of darkness me/ molest. Oh may I always ready stan/ d with my lamp burning in my/ hand. May I in sight of heaven rejoice/ Wheneer I hear the bridegrooms/ voice. Done by Ann Hill."
The bottom half of the sampler consists of an undulating trefoil, horizontal border; numerals 1-16; and isolated motifs of a centered three masted ship towing a boat with 3 men; 2 large carnations; and figures of a man and woman (Adam and Eve?) flanking an apple tree encircled by a serpent. Above the figures of the man and woman are crowns. The letters "Mar[qus?] appear above the left carnation.
An inscription at the bottom of the samplers reads: "The seed of Eve shall Bruise the head of the serpent. WHEH."
The sampler is enclosed on all four sides in a thorny-vine border.

Stitches: cross
Label TextAnn Hill included what are probably her parents' initials, "WH" and "EH," at the right bottom corner of her sampler. With the purchase of this piece in 1930, Colonial Williamsburg began its sampler collection.
Inscribed"When in the night I sleepless lie/ My soul with heavenly thoughts/ supply. let not ill dreams disturb my/ rest nor powers of darkness me/ molest. Oh may I always ready stan/ d with my lamp burning in my/ hand. May I in sight of heaven rejoice/ Wheneer I hear the bridegrooms/ voice. Done by Ann Hill."
"Mar[qus?]"
"The seed of Eve shall Bruise the head of the serpent. WHEH."
Markings"WHEH"
ProvenanceNo known provenance before the sampler was purchased in Richmond, Virginia in 1930 by Mrs. S. H. Hash and the firm of Perry, Shaw, & Hepburn as part of the "antiques for Raleigh Tavern."

History of Maker:
Nothing is known of Ann Hill.