Sampler

Period1827

MediumPlied and flat silk thread on linen

Dimensions14 × 12.5 in. (35.6 × 31.8 cm)

SignedThe sampler is signed and dated "Harriet Bayles work wrought in the year of our Lord 1827." An additional signature appears at the end of the second alphabet row, reading "1827 HB."

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Julia Hartshorne Trask, 1946

Object number2084.26

DescriptionA rectangular sampler of open weave natural linen, with a selvedge along the bottom edge and narrow hems along the left, top, and right sides. Stitiches include cross, Algerian eyelet, satin, square, and Queen, in medium green, black, sky blue, dusty rose, pale pink, lemon yellow, pale brown, taupe, and off white. A stylized strawberry vine band runs across the top of the linen panel, worked in Queen stitch. Below are seven rows of a variety of alphabets. The first row includes a half-inch upper case alphabet, from A through V. The second row continues with W through Z, followed by a numeral run from 1 through 9, with the date "1827" and the maker's initials "HB" completing the line. The third row features a half-inch lower case alphabet, beginning with a pair of aa's, followed by b through z. The fourth row includes a 5/8 inch upper case alphabet worked in square stitch, from A through S, with the letter I at the end as a spacer. The alphabet continues on the fifth row with T through Z, also in square stitch, followed by an partial alphabet A through K worked in regular small eyelet stitch. The sixth and seventh rows are taken up with a large 1 1/8 inch upper case alphabet, from A through K, and L through U on the final line. Each row is divided by a narrow band in a variety of stitches and colors. The bottom third of the sampler comprises a pictorial scene, above which runs the inscription line "Harriet Bayles work wrought in the year of our Lord 1827." In the center of the scene is a large two-handled basket with nodding tulips and a bright white rose. On the left is worked what may may be a garden trellis with floral vines. To the right of the floral basket is a woodpecker perched on a stump, while a second bird, possibly a dove or goose, flies overhead. Two formal elongated trees are worked at the extreme left and right sides. Smaller elements are scattered within the scene, including two small black dogs, one on either side of the floral basket. The dog on the right has a small 1/4 inch stiff paper disk sewn to its tail with several loops of brown thread. A small 1/4" row of cross stitching has been worked close to the dog at left. At the extreme lower left corner is a group of stitching, while to the upper right of the floral basket is another group of stitches, both of which may be letters. A single row of cross stitching forms a border along the left, bottom, and right edges, ending at the strawberry vine along the top.
Curatorial RemarksWhile the maker of this sampler has not been specifically identified, Harriet Bayles was probably between eleven and thirteen years of age when she worked on her embroidery. The similarity of this sampler to other New Jersey-area samplers seems to indicate that Harriet was a Jersey girl, perhaps from one of the Bayles families in and around Somerset County. Harriet's sampler includes a variety of stitches, including the difficult Queen stitch, worked in a confident hand. The pictorial scene along the bottom, worked extensively in flat silks, features a variety of elements. Among the usual floral basket, trees, birds, and animals, is an unusual and highly stylized motif which may be either a garden trellis on which a floral vine grows or a type of espalier. Espalier is the practice whereby a fruit tree or ornamental shrub is trained to grow against a wall or other flat surface. The branches are selectively clipped and tied or fastened, resulting in a specific ornamental pattern. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson included espaliered fruit trees in their gardens, and there are numerous references to the practice throughout early America. Harriet's sampler presents a small but intriguing mystery. Sewn to the base of dog's tail at the right side of the sampler is a tiny quarter-inch paper disc, with a center hole, held in place with several loops of fine brown plied silk thread. It might be that Harriet attached the thread, which matches the color of the unfinished lettering within the pictorial scene, with plans to complete the embroidery one day.NotesThe name Harriet Bayles / Baylis / Bales is found in England and the United States in the early nineteenth century. One such girl was born in Kingston, Somerset County, New Jersey, in 1809, a daughter of William Bayles (1774 - 1853) and Abigail Maple (1785 - 1874). She married John Griggs (b. ca. 1812). They first lived in the greater New Brunswick area, but by 1860 had relocated to Monmouth County. Harriet Bayles Griggs died there in 1894. This particular Harriet would have been eighteen years old at the time the sampler was worked, so she is not considered a contender to be its maker. But it does demonstrate that there were Bayles family members in the northeastern United States at the appropriate time.

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