Sampler by Unknown Maker
Dateca. 1820
OriginEurope, Italy
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 56 x 56 threads per inch (fabric identification by textile lab)
DimensionsOH: 6" x OW: 10"
Credit LineAnonymous gift.
Object number1971-1754,1
DescriptionThis is a small, wide, and short sampler. The top third of the sampler contains a cross stitched alphabet and sequence of numbers from 1 through 10, plus the maker's initials. The first line consists of "A" through "U," and the second line has "V" through "Z," followed by 1 through 10, and then the initials "M.N.F." The bottom of the sampler shows a three storied house sitting in the middle of a park, with conical trees bordering the edge of the lawn. A blue vase is perched on top of the house and is filled with flowers, while a bird and a butterfly on each side of the house fly towards it. In front of the lawn on which the house sits is a gray stone wall. At both ends of the wall are large urns with various kinds of flowers in them.
The entire piece is surrounded by a narrow embroidered border of coral colored flowers separated by leafy stems. This border also separates the alphabet, numerals, and initials from the house scene. The piece has been embroidered in shades of green, gray, coral, blue, and black, and beige silk thread.
Stitches: cross, satin
Label TextThis sampler, with its unusual long, narrow shape, was made in Italy. The maker included her initials, "M. N. F." on her work. She likely stitched her sampler in the first two decades of the 19th century, as her sampler resembles other Italian samplers that are dated.Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)"M.N.F."ProvenanceEx. collection: Ginsburg & Levy, July 7, 1952
