Embroidered sampler

This work is an example of a Marken Island sampler. Samplers from this area are characterized by bands of colorful patterns. Girls stitched these bands to practice patterns for "vernaaide linten," ribbons that were attached to a cap and which were an important part of the costume tradition on Marken Island. These ribbons consisted of black embroidery on white linen. The women of Marken are said to have kept their samplers in or near their kitchens for handy reference, so much of the needlework appears darkened from residue from cooking fires. Samplers from this area, including this one, often include striped horses. Spot motifs, bands of geometric patterns, and bands of cutwork and whitework are also stitched. The letters L, S, P, I, M, and N, stitched individually, in pairs, and in groups in a seemingly random fashion on the bottom of the linen are perhaps the initials of the maker and her family members.