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Sampler
Sampler

Sampler

EmbroidererProbably embroidered by Harriet N. Allyn American, born 1815
Date1826
MediumEmbroidery; silk thread on a plain-woven, undyed linen ground; glass, wood, black and gold paint
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of frame): 13 7/16 x 9 1/16in. (34.1 x 23cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width inside frame): 12 1/2 x 8in. (31.8 x 20.3cm)
Primary Dimensions (approx. height x width of ground): 10 1/4 x 6 1/2in. (26 x 16.5cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. George J. Leger
DescriptionSampler worked in light brown silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground in cross and long-arm cross. The sampler is rectangular, oriented vertically. It is laid out with six rows of one alphabet, over an inscription at the bottom. The inscription is "Harriet Allyn Æ 11 years". The lines of alphabets are separated by straight, narrow borders. The sampler has narrow four-sided border.

The sampler has a narrow double-turned hem on all four sides.

Letters and Numbers: There is one alphabet; it is in uppercase block. The letters J and U are present. The alphabet ends in Y. 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); it is also worked in long arm cross and cross stitch (over one).

Condition: The sampler probably has moderate to severe fading. There are dark stains in the upper section of the sampler.
Object number2003.104.5
MarkingsTranscription of text lines:
"ABCD/ EFGH/ IJKLM/ NOPQR/ STUV/ WXY/ Harriet Allyn Æ 11 years".

Affixed to the bottom of the mat is a hand-written label that reads: "Worked in 1826/ by Harriet N. Allyn/ of (Wintonbury) now/ Bloomfield". Affixed to the back of the frame is a typed labeled which reads: "437-17SAMPLER, of HARRIET ALLYN, AGED 11, 1826, Bloomfield, Conn./ Sampler reads: Harriet Allyn AE 11 years/ Label reads: 'Worked in 1826 by Harriet N. Allyn of Wintonbury, now Bloomfield' (Conn.)/ pink and green cross stitch on semi-refined linen;/ single alphabet; simple edge and cross borders./ Size: framed, 9" x 131/4"/ Lacing thread mounted (and matted) with museum board.". Immediately following the typed text is handwritten text: "1978".
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