Sampler

Maker Elizabeth S. Antrim

Period1840

MediumPlied silk and plied cotton threads on linen

Dimensions12.5 × 18 in. (31.8 × 45.7 cm)

SignedThe sampler is marked "Elizabeth S. Antrim 1840."

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Julia Hartshorne Trask, 1946

Object number2084.9

DescriptionA rectangular sampler on brown linen, with selvedged edges along the left and right sides and narrow hemmed edges at the top and bottom. The majority of the panel is worked in plied silk thread, with plied cotton thread in the first two alphabet lines, in dark brown, medium green, olive green, medium blue, red, pink, and off-white. Stitches include cross, queen, tent, and Algerian eyelet. The top two-thirds of the sampler include six alphabet styles. On the first row, a half-inch upper case alphabet runs from A through Z, with the letter Z worked in bright red silk thread. The second row includes a 5/8 inch upper case alphabet from A through V. On the third row, a half-inch upper case alphabet is worked from A through Y. A half-inch lower case alphabet from a through z, followed by numerals 1 through 9, run along the fourth line. On the fifth line, a 3/4 inch upper case alphabet runs from A through T, with U through Z continuing on the sixth line. Immediately following is a 3/4 inch upper case italic alphabet from A through K, with L through X on the seventh line. The italic alphabet finishes on the eighth line with Y and Z. Immediately following are sets of initials reading "DKA," "HPA," "MAA," and "ESA." Each line of lettering is separated by narrow bands embroidered with a variety of stitch patterns. Below all lettering is the signature line "Elizabeth S. Antrim's work 1840." Below the signature is centered a graceful swan beneath an arching branch, flanked by a cluster of roses on the left and a rosebud on the right. A bird flies above each rose motif. On either side of the rose motifs is worked a paddle-shaped tree, a small floral motif sprouting underneath, and a pink and white bird perched on the ground. The bottom of the sampler is edged by two decorative bands, one in Algerian eyelet above a simple checkered cross stitch. The entire sampler is edged with a single band of cross stitch.
Curatorial RemarksNine year old Elizabeth S. Antrim worked this alphabet sampler in 1840. In the years following, samplers would undergo dramatic changes, with silk threads being replaced with brighter and less expensive wool embroidery yarns in what would be known as Berlin work. It is interesting to note that Elizabeth worked the first two lines of her alphabets in plied cotton thread, while the rest of the sampler is worked in plied silk thread. Elizabeth also included the initials of her father Daniel K. Antrim, her mother Hannah, and her older sister Mary Ann, making her alphabet sampler a family register as well. Although it is not known where Elizabeth received her education, a number of Mount Holly-area day schools which offered needlework instruction are known to have existed. Many women relied on their sewing and embroidery skills in later life for an income. Elizabeth and her sister Mary Ann, both of whom remained unmarried, were listed as "dressmakers" in the 1905 New Jersey State census.NotesElizabeth S. Antrim was born in Mount Holly, Burlington County, about 1831, a daughter of Daniel K. Antrim (1798 - 1880) and his wife Hannah (1800 - 1871). A single woman, she made her home with her parents and older single sister Mary A. (1826 - 1907). The family were members of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Mount Holly. Elizabeth died on 14 October 1908, and was interred in the family plot in the St. Andrew's graveyard. At the time of her death, she owned two houses at 118 and 120 Garden Street in Mount Holly. The four initials on the sampler stand for her father, mother, sister, and Eliabeth herself.

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