Sampler by Elizabeth Moore
Date1821
OriginAmerica, Mid-Atlantic
MediumSilk embroidery threads on a linen ground of 26 x 26 threads per inch (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsFramed: OH: 22” x OW: 20 7/8”; Sampler by sight: OH: 19 ½” x OW; 18 5/8”
Credit LineGift of Andrew H. Helm
Object number2021-217
DescriptionThis is an almost square needlework sampler worked in faded shades of blue, green, black, brown, rust, cream, and gold embroidery threads on a natural color linen ground. The sampler has a large undulating floral vine border at top and sides. Within a reserve created by an inner geometric border of black cross stitch is the following: “A-V” uppercase block/; band of longarm cross stitch/; “W-Z” uppercase block; “Elizabeth Moore done in the year 1821”/ band of cross stitch/ floral vine above and on sides of the verse: “Count that day lost/ Whose low descending sun/ Shows From thy hand/ No worthy action done”. Centered below the verse is a floral cartouche with the letters “E*M.” Surrounding the cartouche are scattered sprays of flowers including lily of the valley/blue bells, roses, rose buds, bunch of pinks, and cornucopia, pots of flowers, and a bird within a spray of vines. Directly below the cartouche are three stylized evergreen trees. Stitches: cross over two and longarm crossLabel TextElizabeth Moore worked her sampler on an evenly woven open ground. Several of the floral motifs such as the lily of the valley (the blue bells) are indicative of motifs found on samplers created by schoolgirls studying under a Quaker teacher. At this time Elizabeth Moore has not been identified.
Stitched in Time:
American samplers exhibit a variety of regional motifs and designs often connected with cultural and religious contexts. Although Elizabeth Moore's 1821 sampler does not list a place where it was completed, specific motifs can help narrow down a location. The distinct groupings of cross-stitched flowers, including bluebells, lily of the valley, and a cornucopia, are frequently found surrounding a center medallion on Quaker samplers from the Mid-Atlantic region.Inscription(s)“Count that day lost/ Whose low descending sun/ Shows From thy hand/ No worthy action done”Provenance1821, made by Elizabeth Moore; prior to 2021, purchased by Andrew Helm (Sutherland, VA); 2021, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
When the donor purchased the sampler, he was told that it was made by a girl from Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
