Early Sampler with Heart Motif

Price: ~SOLD~ Thank You! $125.50 ~Free Shipping~

Intricately worked marking sampler, dating to the first quarter of the 19th century, displaying exceptional schoolgirl needlework. Hand-stitched on a hand-woven linen ground using naturally dyed silk threads, the organic color palette features the "earth, sky, and forest" tones typical of historical vegetable dyes. Rather than basic cross-stitch, this piece showcases a sophisticated array of advanced period techniques. It features elegant rows of block, script, and geometric alphabets, highlighted by beautifully executed eyelet stitches. The bottom corners are anchored by a stylized primitive tree motif and a geometric folk-art heart, with the maker's initials "L L" stitched just above. Linen displays glorious, authentic warm coloration with gentle, scattered age-related toning. Some expected thread loss referencing the brown letters in the fourth row. This textile would make a stunning statement displayed over the antique fall-front desk I currently have listed separately. Measures 12 ¼” across and measures 6 ¾” tall. More pictures Available.