Marking Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Amoret Nichols
(American, 1809 - 1896)
Date1820
MediumEmbroidery; silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions: 9 1/4 x 9 3/4in. (23.5 x 24.8cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mary Means Huber
Object number2007.51.4
DescriptionMarking sampler worked in medium browns, light brown, gold, and black silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground in cross stitches (over two threads). The sampler is squarish, oriented horizontally. It is laid out with seven rows of three alphabets and the numbers 1 through 10, over an inscription. The inscription is "Amoret. Nichols. age 10/ 1820". Above the bottom border is a horizontal zig-zag border. The lines of alphabets, numbers, and text are separated by various narrow borders, including straight and meandering lines. There is a narrow four-sided border.
The sampler has a 1/8- - 2/8-inch double-turned hem on all four sides. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets, the numbers 1-6, and the numbers 7-10. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, lowercase block in alphabet 2, and uppercase script in alphabet 3. The letters J and U are present in all alphabets. The letter S is repeated twice in the first alphabet; the letter G is repeated twice in the third alphabet. The embroiderer uses the long 's'. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The sampler is worked in cross stitch over two threads.
Condition: The sampler has darkened with age. There is at least one hole and some stains. The sampler has minimal to light fading. The sampler is not framed.
The sampler has a 1/8- - 2/8-inch double-turned hem on all four sides. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets, the numbers 1-6, and the numbers 7-10. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, lowercase block in alphabet 2, and uppercase script in alphabet 3. The letters J and U are present in all alphabets. The letter S is repeated twice in the first alphabet; the letter G is repeated twice in the third alphabet. The embroiderer uses the long 's'. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The sampler is worked in cross stitch over two threads.
Condition: The sampler has darkened with age. There is at least one hole and some stains. The sampler has minimal to light fading. The sampler is not framed.
Status
Not on view
