Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Jerusha Gaylord Churchill
(American, 1786 - 1849)
Date1793-1808
MediumEmbroidery; silk thread on a plain-woven undyed linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 11 3/4 x 8 7/8in. (29.8 x 22.5cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of George H. Gilman, Jr.
Object number1981.119.3
DescriptionSampler worked in medium brown, black, pink, medium green, dark green, cream, light gray, and dark brown silk threads on a linen ground using cross stitch over two threads. The sampler is rectangular, oriented vertically. It is laid out with an inscription, over a design of a rainbow, over seven rows of two alphabets and the numbers 1-9 followed by a zero, over another verse. The first inscription is "Jerusha Churchill her sam". The second inscription is a religious verse, "The mighty power that/ formd the mind One mo/ uld for every two desig/ nd & blest the new born/ pair This be a match for this/ he said Then down he sent th/ e soul he made". The lines of alphabets, numbers, and text are separated by plain, straight horizontal stitched rows. There is a three-sided border on the sides and the top.
The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on the left and right edges, an 1/8-inch double-turned hem on the top edge, and a selvedge on the bottom. 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 letter "J" is present in alphabet 1; it is omitted in alphabet 2. The letter "U" is present in both alphabets. The letter "A" is repeated in the first alphabet, with the first instance worked by itself on its own line; the letter "s" is repeated in the second alphabet, with the first instance being a long "s". There is an additional uppercase block letter "X" after alphabet 1. The number "1" resembles the letter "J".
Stitches: The sampler is stitched in cross stitch (over two). Each letter and number is worked in a different color. Each word in the verse is worked in a different color.
Condition: The sampler has minimal fading. The sampler has some areas that appear weakened. It also has some stains. The sampler is not framed or mounted.
The sampler has a 2/8-inch double-turned hem on the left and right edges, an 1/8-inch double-turned hem on the top edge, and a selvedge on the bottom. 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 letter "J" is present in alphabet 1; it is omitted in alphabet 2. The letter "U" is present in both alphabets. The letter "A" is repeated in the first alphabet, with the first instance worked by itself on its own line; the letter "s" is repeated in the second alphabet, with the first instance being a long "s". There is an additional uppercase block letter "X" after alphabet 1. The number "1" resembles the letter "J".
Stitches: The sampler is stitched in cross stitch (over two). Each letter and number is worked in a different color. Each word in the verse is worked in a different color.
Condition: The sampler has minimal fading. The sampler has some areas that appear weakened. It also has some stains. The sampler is not framed or mounted.
Status
Not on view
