Sampler 1791

This sampler was stitched by Lucy Potter in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1791. These textiles were common exercises for young women, and functioned as a demonstration of their needlework skills and literacy. More than this, they offer a glimpse into the values and beliefs of the time. Lucy's sampler combines decorative motifs like floral borders and animals, with pious phrases. “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” for example, reflects a desire for moral guidance and self-improvement. The prominent display of “Lucy Potter’s Work Providence” at the bottom anchors the sampler to a specific maker and place. It simultaneously underscores the importance of individual accomplishment and local identity. The sampler can tell us about the curriculum in the schools that were open to girls and women at the time. As art historians, we can look at probate inventories, school records, and conduct genealogical research to flesh out the context of Lucy Potter’s life and work. These sources would help to illuminate the social and institutional contexts that shaped this fascinating object.