Embroidered linen sampler dating from the late 18th century from Zeeland or Zuid-Holland

Linen sampler embroidered with coloured silks in cross-stitch. In the centre is a square-built house with deep roof over which are set the initials 'J.M.' The sampler is signed at the top 'Jannette Maas'. At the bottom is an heraldic lion rampant encircled within a green hedge. The rest of the sampler is filled with symmetrically treated flowers in pots, sprig ornaments and men bearing vine branches. On either side of the house are large birds on flower sprigs. A goemetrical scroll border runs round the panel and six-pointed stars are set in each corner. The colours are predominantly pink, yellow and green with some use of brick-red and blues.

Attributed to Zeeland or Zuid-Holland by Rosalie Sloof, researcher, Fries Museum, Leeuwarden in 2002 because of motifs of parrots and rich flowers

The earliest samplers were reference works for embroiderers. They showed 'samples' of patterns and stitches and recorded how to achieve particular effects. In Europe in the 17th century samplers provided instruction and practice for girls learning needlework. This Dutch sampler from the late 18th century may have been made in Zeeland or Zuid-Holland, as for this area the motifs of parrots and rich flowers are typical.

T.11-1937