Images(4)

Sampler by Mary Swift

Date1666 (dated)

Artist/Maker Mary Swift

OriginEngland

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 53 x 48 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOW: 6 7/8" x OH: 36 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Kathleen A. Epstein

Object number1998-28

DescriptionThis is a long band sampler worked in polychrome silk threads on a natural color linen ground. At the top is a series of three narrow, blue lines -- the first is a zig zag made of cross stitches and the second two are straight, horizontal lines. Below this is a wide band with several alphabets, numerals, and a signature. It reads:

"AAABCdeFGHIkLM/NOPqRSTVWXYZ/
"MArY SWIFT HeR WORK/
It BEINg MADe IN THe/
YeAR 1666 She WAS BORN/
THE 16 OF APRIL 1657/
AABCDEFGHIKLMNOPq/
RSTVWXYZ/
ABCDEFGHIKLMNOPqR/
STVWXYZ/
1-32"

The numerals 1 through 32, as well as the final alphabet, are significantly smaller than the first two alphabets and signature. Below this is a band with a large stag holding a plant in its mouth. It is surrounded by small geometric and floral designs, as well as several minute birds. Below this is a band with a zig zagging vine and two large flowers. The band below this is bordered by blue and pink curves. The band itself has a zig zagging vine with small fruit and leaves. The band below this is flanked by pink and green leaves. The band itself features stylized carnations, flanked by two owls at the top, two human hands in the middle, and two dogs at the bottom. The next band is bordered by miniscule blue and red flowers. The band itself consists of four-sided floral designs, with vines and flowers horizontally and vertically symmetrical. The next band is bordered by red leaves and features diagonal vines with blue, red, and green flowers. The next band is bordered by green leaves and consists of red flowers with green centers and flowers with alternating blue, pink, and white flowers. The last band is flanked by red and blue flowers. The band itself consists of two green and blue flowers that grow out of a red vine with a thin blue line in its center.

Stitches: bullion, couching, detached buttonhole, double running, eyelet, interlacing, long arm cross, marking, Montenegrin and variation, pattern darning, satin
Label TextMary Swift, born on April 16th, 1657, made this in 1666, when she was just eight or nine years old. This long, narrow sampler is typical of seventeenth-century English samplers, with its series of bands. One band features a large stag, a motif likely taken from a German pattern book, Schon Neues Modelbuch, designed by Johann Sibmacher and first published in 1597. Sibmacher's book was popular across Europe, and motifs from the book can be seen on samplers made in the 17th century and beyond.
Inscribed"MArY SWIFT HeR WORK/It BEINg MADe IN THe/YeAR 1666 She WAS BORN/THE 16 OF APRIL 1657"
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceEx-collection: Cora Ginsburg, Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen, and Kathy (Epstein) Staples.