Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Clarissa Bosworth
(American, 1810 - 1910)
Date1821
MediumEmbroidery; silk threads on a plain-woven, undyed linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 9 7/8 x 10in. (25.1 x 25.4cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of the estate of Miss Luella Kelsey
DescriptionMarking sampler worked in dark brown silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground using cross stitches. The sampler is squarish, oriented horizontally. It is laid out with five rows of two alphabets and the numbers 1 through 9 followed by a zero, over an inscription. The inscription is "Clarissa Bosworth/ Born June 5 1810. Ag'd/ 11 Years". Certain lines of alphabets, numbers, and text are separated by various narrow borders, including straight and meandering lines. There is a border at the top edge. The sampler may be unfinished.
The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on the top and side edges, and a selvedge at the bottom edge. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are two alphabets and the numbers 1-9 followed by a zero. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, and lowercase block in alphabet 2. The letters J and U are present in both alphabets. The letter "s" is repeated in the lowercase alphabet. Maker uses 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 a large hole at the top edge, a smaller hole in the upper right corner, and a hole in the bottom section. There are some stains and the ground has discoloration, particularly on the right side. The sampler has minimal fading. It is not framed.
The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on the top and side edges, and a selvedge at the bottom edge. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are two alphabets and the numbers 1-9 followed by a zero. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, and lowercase block in alphabet 2. The letters J and U are present in both alphabets. The letter "s" is repeated in the lowercase alphabet. Maker uses 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 a large hole at the top edge, a smaller hole in the upper right corner, and a hole in the bottom section. There are some stains and the ground has discoloration, particularly on the right side. The sampler has minimal fading. It is not framed.
Object number1917.11.3
On View
Not on view
