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Sampler

1751 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

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 example continues the tradition of stitch and pattern exercises. It is very skilfully made and may be the work of an older, more experienced needleworker. The central picture is a scene from the New Testament story of Christ and the Woman of Samaria.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Linen, embroidered with silk, wool and metal thread in cross, tent, brick, Florentine and rococo stitch, with padded and couched metal thread
Brief description
Linen sampler embroidered with silk, wool and metal thread; Swedish or Danish; dated 1751.
Physical description
Embroidered sampler
Dimensions
  • Height: 77.5cm
  • Width: 65.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
'A G T anno 1751' (Decoration; embroidering; silk; 1751)
Historical context
See T.143-1962 for details of design source.
Subjects depicted
Summary
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 example continues the tradition of stitch and pattern exercises. It is very skilfully made and may be the work of an older, more experienced needleworker. The central picture is a scene from the New Testament story of Christ and the Woman of Samaria.
Bibliographic reference
Browne, Clare and Jennifer Wearden, eds. Samplers from the Victoria and Albert Museum. London : V&A Publications, 1999. 144 p., ill. ISBN 1851773096.
Collection
Accession number
T.59-1914

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Record createdNovember 19, 2002
Record URL
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