Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Unknown
Dateabout 1840
MediumEmbroidery; silk threads on a plain-woven, undyed linen thread
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of ground): 14 1/2 x 17 1/4in. (36.8 x 43.8cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edgar Burnham
Object number1959.80.11
DescriptionUnfinished marking sampler worked in purple, pink, light blue, dark green, and black silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground in cross stitches. The sampler is rectangular, oriented horizontally. It is laid out with three rows of two complete alphabets and one partial alphabet, and the numbers 1 through 12. The lines of alphabets and numbers are separated by various narrow meandering borders.There is a four-sided border.
The sampler has a 3/16-inch double-turned hem on all four edges. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets, and the numbers 1-12. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, and lowercase block in alphabets 2 and 3. The letters J and U are present in the first and second alphabets. Five letters are repeated twice in the first alphabet: MNUVW; the letter "y" is repeated twice in the second alphabet. The third alphabet ends at "f". All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so that the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch over two threads; it is also worked in cross over one thread.
Condition: The sampler has several mends. There are off-white threads running under certain horizontal rows. Ends are on the front side as opposed to being tucked at the back. The sampler has minimal fading. It is unfinished. The sampler is not framed.
The sampler has a 3/16-inch double-turned hem on all four edges. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets, and the numbers 1-12. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, and lowercase block in alphabets 2 and 3. The letters J and U are present in the first and second alphabets. Five letters are repeated twice in the first alphabet: MNUVW; the letter "y" is repeated twice in the second alphabet. The third alphabet ends at "f". All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so that the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch over two threads; it is also worked in cross over one thread.
Condition: The sampler has several mends. There are off-white threads running under certain horizontal rows. Ends are on the front side as opposed to being tucked at the back. The sampler has minimal fading. It is unfinished. The sampler is not framed.
Status
Not on view
