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Sampler

1674 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Samplers like this were exercises in embroidery stitches and techniques, which had become well established as part of a girl's education by the middle of the 17th century. Typically in this long thin form, they were filled with rows of repeating patterns worked in coloured silks, sometimes interspersed with figures or floral motifs. Their makers sometimes signed and dated them, as Elizabeth Godden has done here. She has also chosen to mention her parents, as a sign of filial respect.

Although much of the decoration on this sampler is typical of the period, with its bands of geometrical decoration and animals, insects and flowers, the depiction of the King and Queen with royal children, and the finely dressed gentleman and lady, is sophisticated, particularly in the use of metal thread and glass beads.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Embroidered in coloured silks, metal thread and glass beads on linen ground
Brief description
Sampler, signed Elizabeth Godden and dated 1674, English
Physical description
Band sampler embroidered in coloured silks and metal thread on a linen ground, with some coloured glass beads also incorporated. Selvedges at top and bottom, the sides hemmed.
Bands of decoration, from the top : Alphabet, followed by inscription;bands of geometric decoration; row of creatures, including deer, dogs and ?lions with crowns of silver thread and beads; the King and Queen with three children, their clothing decorated in metal thread and beads; butterflies and peacocks; lady with pageboy holding her train, and gentleman, elaborately dressed including wig and ringlets, lace collars and cuffs; insects and flowers; huntsman with horn, dog and deer.

The sampler is faded on the front, colours fresh on the back.
Dimensions
  • Length: 87cm
  • Maximum width: 21.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
[alphabet] Elizabeth Godden the daughter of Thomas Godden and Mary Godden June the 11 day 1674
Credit line
Bequeathed by John A.D.Freeman
Summary
Samplers like this were exercises in embroidery stitches and techniques, which had become well established as part of a girl's education by the middle of the 17th century. Typically in this long thin form, they were filled with rows of repeating patterns worked in coloured silks, sometimes interspersed with figures or floral motifs. Their makers sometimes signed and dated them, as Elizabeth Godden has done here. She has also chosen to mention her parents, as a sign of filial respect.

Although much of the decoration on this sampler is typical of the period, with its bands of geometrical decoration and animals, insects and flowers, the depiction of the King and Queen with royal children, and the finely dressed gentleman and lady, is sophisticated, particularly in the use of metal thread and glass beads.
Collection
Accession number
T.45-2010

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Record createdAugust 17, 2010
Record URL
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