Sampler

Object Name:

Sampler

Object ID:

1984.044.01

Creator:

Anderson, Nancy (1813-1842)Artist

Place of Origin:

Windham, NH

Date:

1825-1826

Description:

Family Register. Made by Nancy Anderson (1813-1842), Windham, NH; c. 1825. Embroidered family register with the family names and birth dates embroidered in black cross stitch within a design of an arch and pillars, surrounded by a border of a rose vine emanating from cornucopias at lower corners. The silk embroidery is worked on loosely woven linen laid over a tighter weave of cotton fabric. Strips of linen fabric are applied to the edges for the purpose of framing. Except for the family register panel and arched frame design, the embroidery is worked through both layers. The family register reads: "FAMILY REGISTER [mostly worn away] / Mr Samuel Anderson was born Mar 3d, 1781. / Mrs. Mary Wilson was born May 17th [178]6 / Married December [25] 1810 / Childrens Names Births / A Son born November 11th 1811. / Nancy Anderson, born September 3d, 1813. / John Anderson, born May 2nd, 1815. /
[James] Anderson, born May 7th, 1818. / Louisa Anderson, born July 31st, 1820. / William Anderson, born May 19th, 1822." Below this is cross-stitched: "Let virtue be your guide... / Wrought by Nancy Anderson, in the 12th year of / her age." ["her age" appears on the line above.] At the center bottom, between the pillars is embroidered at weeping willow tree and a basket of flowers. The pillars are worked in tent stitch in green and cream (probably originally pink). The arch has swags of green leafy vines. The family register is bordered on the sides and across the top with undulating vines of roses (originally pink, as can be seen on the reverse side) emanating from cornucopias. Sprays of carnations are embroidered at the upper corners. Embroidery stitches used for the floral elements include surface satin, French knots, satin, straight, outline, back, and long-and-short stitches. The silk used for this embroidery was untwisted from silk thread, giving it a crinkly appearance. The edges of the top layer of linen are hemstitched, and the edges of the cotton backing are raw, except for the left side, which is selvage.

Material:

Textile
Silk
Linen
Cotton

Dimensions:

H-20 W-18.75 inches

Provenance:

Made by Nancy (Anderson) Sanders (1813-1842) of Windham, NH. She was the great-aunt of the donor, Martha B. Anderson (1897-1984).

Credit Line:

Gift of Martha B. Anderson

People:

Anderson, Nancy (1813-1842), Anderson, Martha B. (1897-1984)

Subjects:

Education, Needlework, Family records, Pictorial, Family registers, Pictorial