Images(2)

Sampler by Emily J. Lasley

Date1827

Artist/Maker Emily J. Lasley (b. 1817)

OriginAmerica, Virginia

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 25 threads x 23 threads (identification of fibers by eye)

DimensionsOH 17 in x OW 22 1/2 in

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Murphy

Object number1997-92

DescriptionThis is an unfinished alphabet sampler worked in faded shades of purple, gold, black, and blue silk embroidery threads on a natural color linen darkened by age. The sampler is hemmed at top, bottom, and right side and has a selvage at left side.
The top half of the sampler consists of alphabets, numerals, and bands:
"A-Z" upper case block, "1-5" worked in cross stitch
Band of cross stitch
"a-i" "k-z" lower case block, "in the Year 1827" worked in cross stitch, and "6 7" worked in cross stitch
Band of cross stitch
"A B D C E F G H I" "K-Q" upper case block worked in double cross
Band of triple row of cross stitch
"R-Z" upper case block, "E J L" "H P L" worked in cross with a foursided stitch
Band of double cross
"A-I" "K-P" uppercase block worked in eyelet
Band of 9 rows of cross stitch
The bottom half of the sampler consists of the verse: "So frail is the youth and the beauty of men/ Tho they bloom and look gay like the rose/ For all our fond care to Preserve them is vain/ Time kills them as fast as he goes./ Then"
Below and to side of verse are names, initials, and the signature: "L M Price, EJH, MMS, "Emily J. Lasley was born May 12, 1817. Nancy W. Wilson".
Two sewing needles with thread remain in the bottom edge of the sampler.

Stitches: cross, double cross, eyelet and four-sided
Inscription(s)Worked near top of sampler is the inscription: "in the year 1827"
"E J L" "H P L"
"So frail is the youth and the beauty of men/ Tho they bloom and look gay like the rose/ For all our fond care to Preserve them is vain/ Time kills them as fast as he goes./ Then"
Below and to side of verse are names, initials, and the signature: "L M Price" "E J H" "M M S" "Emily J. Lasley was born May 12, 1817 Nancy W. Wilson".ProvenanceMade by Emily Jane Lasley [1817-1852] (Louisa County, VA); 1852, passed by descent to Myrtilia S. Morris [1847-1926] (Albemarle County, VA); 1926, passed by descent to Myra Williams [ca. 1879-] (Albemarle County, VA); unknown date, passed by descent to Helen Louise Sadler [1905-1997] (Charlottesville, VA); 1984, given to Mary Catherine Murphy (Charlottesville, VA)