Sampler by Unknown Maker at Lexngton Female Academy
Date1819
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 29 x 27 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOW: 17 1/2" x OH: 16 1/8"
Credit LineGift of Sumpter T. Priddy, III
Object number1984-149
DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler worked in faded shades of blue, green, yellow, orange-red, brown, and tan silk embroidery threads on a natural-color linen ground. The sampler consists of four rows of alphabets, decorative bands, verses, and inscription "Female Academy Lexington March 2[8] 1819." The verse reads: "Teach me to feel anothers [sic] wo[e]/ To hide the fault I see/ That mercy I to others show/ that mercy show to me/ Lord when our raptured thou[sands]/ survey Creations beauties oer [sic]/ All nature forms to teach thy peace/ And bid our souls adore." The sampler is enclosed in an outer border of vine and strawberries on all four sides.Stitches: cross (over two), double cross, eyelet, four-sidedLabel TextAlthough the maker of this fragile sampler did not stitch her own name, she did tell us that her sampler was made at Lexington Female Academy. The Presbyterian academy opened in 1807, and operated as a private institution until 1908.Inscription(s)"Female Academy Lexington March 2[8] 1819."
The verse reads: "Teach me to feel anothers [sic] wo[e]/ To hide the fault I see/ That mercy I to others show/ that mercy show to me/ Lord when our raptured thou[sands]/ survey Creations beauties oer [sic]/ All nature forms to teach thy peace/ And bid our souls adore."ProvenanceNo provenance is known of sampler.
History of school:
The Female Academy in Lexington, Virginia, also known as the Ann Smith Academy, opened in 1807. Named for its first principal, Miss Ann Smith, the Presbyterian academy operated as a private institution until 1980, when it became the property of the town of Lexington. During the period that this sampler was made, Mrs. Selina Nicholls occupied the position of principal (1817-ca. 1820.) (Pussey, ELUSIVE ASPIRATIONS: THE HISTORY OF THE FEMALE ACADEMY IN LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA.)
