Sampler
Maker
Mary Jane Story
Periodca. 1840
MediumPlied silk thread on coarse linen canvas
Dimensions5.88 × 19.38 in. (14.9 × 49.2 cm)
SignedThe sampler is signed "Mary Jane Story," and is not dated.
ClassificationsNeedlework
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1934
Object number708.4
DescriptionA narrow horizontal practice sampler worked on sturdy linen canvas ground in plied silk thread in brown, tan, and russet. The linen retains its selvedge edges at the left and right sides, showing a single red edge thread, and hems at the top and bottom edges. The sampler's bottom hem is distinctly uneven, slanting up sharply from the left to the right corners. A large upper case alphabet is embroidered along the top two rows, followed by numerals one through thirteen and the monogram "M N T." Below runs a full lower case alphabet. In the lower left corner of the sampler are worked large 1 1/4 inch upper case letters A and B in eyelet stitch. A small quarter-inch lower case alphabet forms the bottom row of embroidery, followed by the signature "Mary Jane Story sampler." Other than the large Algerian eyelet letters, all work is done in simple cross stitch. A simple cross stitch variation border bands run along the edges of the sampler and separate the alphabet lines.Curatorial RemarksBefore young girls could work on their elaborate finish samplers, it was necessary for them to attempt stitches, motifs, and borders on smaller scraps or fragments of linen. These practice pieces make for fascinating study in order to see first-hand how a young embroiderer worked out a particularly difficult stitch or tried a new motif before including them on a formal sampler. Mary Jane Story used a long and narrow piece of linen, crudely cut along the bottom edge, to try out several types and sizes of alphabets. It is likely that Mary Jane was not yet in her teens when she completed this practice piece. Although this scrap of linen was not intended for display, Mary Jane made an effort to keep her work tidy, going so far as to hem the top and uneven bottom edges of her fabric and neatly organizing her letters and stitches. The initials "M N T" are not at present understood. Perhaps they represent the name of her instructor. NotesThis very modest sampler may have been worked by a Mary Jane Story who was born in Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, on 26 January 1827. She was a daughter of John Story (b. 1786), a farmer, and his wife Elizabeth Robbins (b. 1796). Sadly, Mary Jane died in Freehold on 27 January 1851, the day after her birthday, at the age of twenty-four. She had remained single.
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