Sampler by Eliza Paul Gray

Date1819 (dated)

Artist/Maker Eliza Paul Gray

OriginAmerica, Kentucky, Lawrenceburgh (possibly)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 32 x 32 threads per inch (Identification of fibers by eye)

DimensionsActual: OH 17 3/8" x OW 11 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2006-7

DescriptionThis is a rectangular needlework sampler worked in faded shades of green, ivory, gold, blue, and orange/pink on a natural color linen ground. The sampler has raw edges at sides.
The top half of the sampler consists of isolated motifs of sprigs of flowers and buds, a heart, and an ampersand. The bottom half of the sampler is divided from the top by a band of green chain stitches with small sprigs of grass. In the bottom half of the sampler is a space 6" x 8 1/4" outlined in cross stitches. Within this box is:
"A-N" in upper case block
"O-Z" in upper case block
A band of cross stitch
"Eliza. Paul. Gray."
"Lawrenceburgh. A.D."
"1819."
Below the signature line are stylized sprigs of grass, flowers, and buds. Floral motifs sit on top of the enclosed alphabet and signature box as well. On both sides of the box is a border of bud and vine.

Stitches: chain, cross over two, flat, outline, and queen
Label TextThis sampler is marked with the place name "Lawrenceburgh," presumably for Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Documented samplers from Kentucky are rare, especially ones that include a place name. By 1830, Lawrenceburg, the county seat of Anderson County and southwest of Louisville, had a small population of 320.
ProvenanceThe sampler was purchased by Bill and Joyce Subjack from M. Finkel and Daughter. Per SAMPLINGS, vol. XV the sampler "descended in the family living first in Lawrenceburgh and then in Carrollton, Kentucky, and came to us with a great deal of family information and a full line of descent. Eliza's sampler passed to her grandson, Capt. George Washington Anderson who was active in the real estate, auction and hotel businesses."