Embroidered Sampler c. 1937

This embroidered sampler, made by Vincent P. Rosel, is like a garden blooming in thread. Imagine the artist, needle in hand, carefully building up each flower and stem, one stitch at a time. The colors are so vibrant, almost jumping off the fabric, creating a riot of floral motifs. Looking at this, I start to think about the materiality of embroidery. How the act of stitching can be both meditative and meticulous, and how the texture of the threads adds another layer of depth to the composition. The stitches create these amazing textures with their density that gives the work a subtle three-dimensionality. It reminds me of the way painters build up layers of paint, each stroke contributing to the overall effect. You can see the artist’s hand in every detail. Embroidery, like painting, is a conversation across time. Rosel perhaps drew inspiration from earlier traditions, bringing their own unique vision to the form. What do you think?