Embroidered Sampler 1806

This Embroidered Sampler was made by Evelina Hull when she was ten years old. Likely made of linen with cotton or silk thread, its creation would have involved many painstaking hours of stitching. Needlework samplers such as this were common exercises for young girls in the 18th and 19th centuries. They learned various stitches and patterns, demonstrating their skill and diligence, while also improving literacy. It shows the skill and creativity of its maker, and would have served as a testament to her upbringing. Embroidery holds a complex place in art history. Often considered “women’s work,” it has historically been excluded from the realm of fine art. Yet, when we consider the labor, skill, and artistry involved, it’s clear that objects like this sampler are a form of visual expression that deserves our attention, challenging the traditional hierarchy between art and craft.