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Sampler
Catherine Silver Smith (English)
English
1801
Object Place: Portsmouth, England
Medium/Technique
Wool plain weave embroidered with silk
Dimensions
43.5 x 33 cm (17 1/8 x 13 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward C. Moore, and Miss Mary Magoun Brown, in memory of their mother, Mrs. John Crosby Brown
Accession Number50.4013
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionEmbroidered largely in cross stitch with some tent, rococo, and other canvas stitches, two side borders minute vine bearing trefoil blossoms, upper border minute angular strawberry vine, lower border angular vine bearing variety of conventionalized blossoms, horizontal bands of ornaments including stylized vine, alternating hearts and cupids wearing crowns and flying draperies, in center a heart with inscription: "Catharine Silver Smith Her work Jan. 14, 1801 aged 11 years Portsmouth," heart flanked by angels blowing trumpets and sun and moon, lower portion central tree with Adam and Eve, flanking birds, trees, plants, serpent, and lion, inscription: "The serpent beguiled me and I did eat, " in upper portion between ornamental rose the inscription: "All you my Friends who now exPect to fee A Piece of Work thats thus Performed by me Caft but A Smile at this my mean Endeavour Ill Strive to mend and be obedient ever. When Life is gone And death is come Then well are they That well have done." Stitches: chain, counted satin, cross, eyelet, Roumanian, satin, sawtooth, tent. A few small holes, a few stains.
ProvenanceGift of Mrs. Edward C. Moore and Miss Mary Magoun Brown to MFA, 1950