Sampler by Francess L. Bartee
Dateca. 1825
Maker
Francess L. Bartee
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 30 X 30 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOH: 18 3/4" x OW: 9"
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-83
DescriptionThis long, rectangular sampler is worked on tan linen ground and embroidered in shades of black, green, and tan silk embroidery threads. The sampler has two uppercase and one lowercase alphabets, with the letters Y and Z omitted, one set of numbers 1 to 9, and a verse on "Needle Work": "Though there are many other/ female accomplishments mor/ e showy and specious yet ther/ e is not anyone more useful/ than needle work nay I may ve/ nture to say./ there is none equ/ally so. What an infinite num/ ber of the female sex and. perh/ aps. the most virtuous part of/ it too. live by the needle. How gr/eatly dones it contribute to ren/ der our persons more decent." At the bottom of the sampler is the signature line "Francess L Bartee Oct. 28" [date year missing]. Selvages form top and bottom finishes; 1/4-inch hems at side. Stitches: cross, double cross, four-sided, eyeletProvenance2001-2023, Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023 - present; transferred to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
