Stoplap van veelkleurige zijde op katoen 1868

This 'Stoplap', or sampler, is stitched with multicolored silk on cotton. The prominent motif here is the star, which appears repeatedly, each time in a different variation. Across cultures, the star serves as a symbol of guidance, often associated with destiny and celestial navigation. We see echoes of this in the star of Bethlehem, guiding the Magi, or in the North Star, a steadfast guide for travelers. But look closer, and you will see a deviation: each star is unique. Consider how these individual expressions reflect the sampler’s origins. The making of samplers, often by young women, was an exercise not only in technical skill but also in personal expression. Each stitch becomes a trace of the maker’s hand, a desire to impress individual identity onto a shared tradition. This act of stitching, of crafting personal variations on collective symbols, speaks to our innate psychological drive to make our mark on the world. The stars, therefore, are not just celestial markers; they are individual expressions of identity. These symbols shift in meaning, embodying both tradition and personal stories.