Embroidered band sampler

17th century

Not on view

Band samplers are composed of horizontal rows ("bands") of embroidered patterns stitched along the linen foundation fabric. Many of the patterns stitched onto band can be traced to sixteenth-century pattern books, and often include depictions of fruit, flowers, and geometric patterns. This sampler is made up of bands of varying heights that feature birds, acorns, pineapples, and a variety of flowers. The bottom of the sampler includes an alphabet consisting of a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters and small, seemingly randomly placed motifs, resembling a spot sampler.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Embroidered band sampler
Date: 17th century
Culture: British
Medium: Silk on linen
Dimensions: 24 × 8 in. (61 × 20.3 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
Credit Line: From the Collection of Mrs. Lathrop Colgate Harper, Bequest of Mabel Herbert Harper, 1957
Object Number: 57.122.284
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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