Sampler by Fanny E. Clark

Date1819

Maker Fanny E. Clark (b. 1806) b. 1806

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Brookfield (possibly)

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 34 by 29 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOH: 10 7/8" x OW: 10"

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-95

DescriptionThis is a square sampler worked in shades of tan, cream, faded pinks, black, and green on a natural linen ground. The top half of the sampler includes one uppercase script alphabet, one uppercase block alphabet, one lowercase block alphabet, the numerals 1-14, and the date "July 18, 1819", all divided by bands. The bottom portion of the sampler consists of a row of heart motifs, three baskets of fruit or flowers, and a rectangular reserve outlined in cross stitch with the signature line: "Fanny E. Clark/ Aged 13 Years". On the left of the signature is a pine tree flanked by two birds. On the right of the signature are two pine trees, one of which has a squirrel on it, and a dog. The sampler is enclosed on four sides with a simple cross stitched border. There is a 1/8' hem on all four sides.
Stitches: cross over 1 and 2, flatInscription(s)"July 18 1819"Provenance1819, probably made by Frances E. Clark [1806-]; passed by descent to Josephine Frances Hamilton [1846-]; passed by descent to Carolene Waller Hutchens [1871-]; passed by descent to Elise Josephine McInery [1897-] (Richmond, VA); prior to 1979, passed by descent to Hamilton Powhatan Parrish [1923-1981] (Troy, VA); 1979, given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)