Sampler by Elizabeth Pitcher

Date1828

Artist/Maker Elizabeth Pitcher

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 33 x 26 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsBy sight: 8" x 10 3/4"; Framed: 10" x 12 2/3" 3

Credit LineGift of Nancy Newhard Melton Ray

Object number1999-23

DescriptionThis is a small rectangular alphabet sampler worked in shades of blue, brown, black, green, yellow, cream, and what was probably originally red/pink silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. From the top the sampler consists of the signature line, "Elizabeth Pitcher/ Work done in the 9 Year/ of age 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.” Below this and taking up two thirds of the sampler is a composition consisting of a large spray of flowers with a bird in the left top corner and a pot of flowers in the right top corner and a flowering tree in the left bottom corner. The sampler is enclosed on all four sides with an inner border of cross stitch and an outer border of undulating strawberries and vines.

Stitches: cross (over two) and herring bone
Label TextElizabeth Pitcher, Mary's younger sister, worked this sampler when she was eight years of age. It has survived with a sampler made by her older sister Mary and a family Bible.
ProvenanceThis sampler was sold by M. Finkel & Daughter to Nancy Newhard Melton Ray in 1998.

History of maker:
Elizabeth Pitcher was the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Lufberry) Pitcher of Kensington, which at the time was a small town just northeast of Philadelphia on the Delaware River. Henry Pitcher was a shipwright, listed in the city directory compiled in 1821 at an address at Queen and Bishop Streets, near the waterfront. That was the last year that this family was recorded as living in the Philadelphia area; they subsequently moved to Portsmouth, Virginia, where Henry Pitcher continued to work as a shipwright. (Samplings: A selected offering of antique sampler and needlework. Vol. XIV, M. Finkel & Daughter, p.2.)

Elizabeth's older sister, Mary, worked two samplers in the years 1822 and 1823 (G1999-22 and 2004-119, 1).

Origin of maker: born in Pennsylvania; moved to Portsmouth, Virginia.