Embroidered sampler 1806

This embroidered sampler was made by Sally Cornelius, around 1806, when she was just 14 years old. It’s stitched in silk thread on linen, using cross-stitch, eyelet, and other counted techniques. The charm of this object lies in the labor and skill involved. Samplers like this were common exercises for young women, designed to teach them needlework, literacy, and, crucially, patience. Notice the borders, the meticulously rendered motifs of plants, animals, and people, and especially the alphabet at the top. These weren't just decorative choices; they were a testament to hours spent practicing the art of embroidery. We might think of this sampler as a material record of time and effort, encapsulating social expectations around female education and accomplishment. Though it doesn't fit neatly into categories of either ‘art’ or ‘craft’, the piece challenges that distinction, inviting us to consider the cultural significance embedded in everyday objects.