Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Mary Clapp
(American, born about 1791)
DateAugust 1804
MediumEmbroidery; silk threads on a p lain-woven, undyed linen ground
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 12 x 11 1/2in. (30.5 x 29.2cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Marie W. Forrest
Object number1973.97.0
DescriptionMarking sampler worked in dark green, medium green, dark brown, light brown, mint, light blue, and pink silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground in cross (over two threads) and hem stitches. The sampler is squarish, oriented vertically. It is laid out with four rows of two alphabets and the numbers 1 through 12, over an inscription, over three rows of one alphabet. The inscription is "Mary Clapp her Sampler/ Work't in the 13th Year of/ her age Hartford August/ the first AD 1804". There at least two solidly stitched tri-colored diamond designs; one is larger than the other. A small vertical line denotes the end of each of the first and second alphabets. Certain lines of alphabets, numbers, and text are separated by various narrow borders, including straight and meandering lines. There is a narrow stitched border at the bottom edge. There is a three-sided hem-stitched border at the top and the side edges. The sampler is 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 three alphabets and the numbers 1-12. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, lowercase block in alphabet 2, and uppercase script in alphabet 3. The letter J is present in the first alphabet; the letter U is present in all alphabets. The letter A is repeated thrice in the first alphabet. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so 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 hem stitch.
Condition: There are at least three mends to the ground. There are several visible weak areas to the ground. The hem is in poor condition, as the ground was previously glued to a backing. The sampler has some stains. The sampler has moderate to severe fading, depending on color. The sampler 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 three alphabets and the numbers 1-12. The letters are uppercase block in alphabet 1, lowercase block in alphabet 2, and uppercase script in alphabet 3. The letter J is present in the first alphabet; the letter U is present in all alphabets. The letter A is repeated thrice in the first alphabet. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so 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 hem stitch.
Condition: There are at least three mends to the ground. There are several visible weak areas to the ground. The hem is in poor condition, as the ground was previously glued to a backing. The sampler has some stains. The sampler has moderate to severe fading, depending on color. The sampler is not framed.
Status
Not on view
