Family Register
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Anna Riley
(American)
Date1791
MediumEmbroidery; silk thread on a plain-woven, undyed linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 17 1/2 x 13 3/4in. (44.5 x 34.9cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Ruth G. Woodis
Object number1975.83.3
DescriptionFamily register worked in rust, black, dark green, purple, medium blue, and dark brown silk threads on a linen ground using cross stitch over two threads and other stitches. The sampler is rectangular, oriented vertically. It is laid out with five rows of three alphabets, over ten rows of family details, over two inscriptions. The first inscription is "anna riley her sampler aged 15". The second inscription is a verse, "when this you see remember me". Most lines (1-15) are separated by straight or meandering horizontally stitched rows. There are at least two small diamonds and at least two "x" designs. Each side of the sampler has an udulating border.
The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on right, left and bottom edges, and selvedge on the top edge. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets. All three alphabets are uppercase block. The letter "J" is not present in any alphabet. The letter "U" is presented in all alphabets. Alphabet 1 ends at "Y". The letter "Z" in alphabet 2 is smaller. Alphabet 3 ends at "X". With the exception of the inscriptions and the word "aged" on line 10, all lettering is uppercase block. The number "1" resembles the letter "J".
Stitches: Alphabets 1 and 2 are larger than rest of text. The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch (over two); it also includes Algerian eye and rice. The date on line 14 encroaches the right side border.
Condition: The sampler has stitch loss. The sampler has light to moderate fading, mostly in the purple and rust colors. It is not framed or mounted.
The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on right, left and bottom edges, and selvedge on the top edge. The sampler is not framed.
Letters and Numbers: There are three alphabets. All three alphabets are uppercase block. The letter "J" is not present in any alphabet. The letter "U" is presented in all alphabets. Alphabet 1 ends at "Y". The letter "Z" in alphabet 2 is smaller. Alphabet 3 ends at "X". With the exception of the inscriptions and the word "aged" on line 10, all lettering is uppercase block. The number "1" resembles the letter "J".
Stitches: Alphabets 1 and 2 are larger than rest of text. The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch (over two); it also includes Algerian eye and rice. The date on line 14 encroaches the right side border.
Condition: The sampler has stitch loss. The sampler has light to moderate fading, mostly in the purple and rust colors. It is not framed or mounted.
Status
Not on view
