Sampler Practice Piece

Period1840 - 1850

MediumPlied silk thread on linen

Dimensions4.5 × 13.75 in. (11.4 × 34.9 cm)

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1934

Object number708.11

DescriptionAn elongated rectangular practice piece on open weave natural linen, with the top, left, and bottom sides narrowly hemmed and the right side left raw. All embroidery is done in plied silk thread in medium green, grass green, scarlet, salmon, rose, pale pink, and off white, entirely in cross stitch. Four floral motifs are worked across the panel, with a swag of pink roses closely stitched in the upper left corner. In the center, a large floral spray with stylized blossoms is embroidered. At right, a stylized blossom appears in outline, with green leaves, perhaps representing a peony. Above the central floral motif is worked a tiny floral basket motif.
Curatorial RemarksThe closely-worked rose swag embroidered at the top left side of the linen panel points to the probable date of this sampler practice piece. The neat shading and dense stitching placed in tapestry fashion indicate that the unknown maker was using a Berlin work graphed pattern to create her flowers. The other floral motifs recall earlier sampler motif styles. The combination of embroidery styles makes for an interesting comparison, placing this linen panel at the point where traditional sampler making would be quickly replaced with the popular and commercially produced Berlin work embroidery style.

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