Sampler (Stitching) c. 1937

Ruth Barnes made this "Sampler (Stitching)" artwork, its exact date is unknown. We see a range of stitching patterns, each a testament to the artist's skill and patience, bound within the delicate grid. Sampler stitchings like this one were a common form of expression and education for women in the 19th century. They were more than just decorative pieces; they were a way for women to practice and display their needlework skills, and to pass down traditions from one generation to the next. These samplers were often infused with personal meaning, reflecting the maker’s identity. The patterns and colors chosen held symbolic value. Barnes, born in 1855, lived in a time of shifting gender roles. While women were still largely confined to the domestic sphere, movements for greater equality were beginning to emerge. In this context, the act of stitching became both a creative outlet and a quiet act of self-assertion. Consider the time and dedication required to create such a piece, the countless hours spent meticulously stitching each pattern. The artwork embodies a sense of quiet perseverance, a reflection of the artist's inner world. The "Sampler (Stitching)" is a symbol of women’s work, creativity, and resilience.