2008.0057 A Sampler, C Glass mat,  in modern frame
  • 2008.0057 A Sampler, C Glass mat, in modern frame
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Sampler (Map sampler)

  • Category:

    Textiles (Needlework)

  • Creator (Role):

    Elizabeth Graham (Maker)

  • Place of Origin:

    Alexandria, Virginia, United States, North America

  • Secondary Place of Origin:

    Alexandria, Virginia, United States, North America

  • Date:

    1800-1803

  • Materials:

    Silk; Linen; Paint

  • Techniques:

    Embroidered, Woven (plain)

  • Museum Object Number:

    2008.0057 A


  • Complete Details



Object Number

2008.0057 A

Object Name

Sampler (Map sampler)

Category

Textiles (Needlework)

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Ruth McLaine and Family.

Creator (Role)

Elizabeth Graham (Maker)
1790-1870
This map sampler may have been worked by Elizabeth Graham (1790-1870), of Alexandria, Virginia, between the years 1800 and 1803. She was about 10-13 years old. If Elizabeth did work this sampler, then her mother was probably Mary Mollen Graham (d. 1803) and her father was probably David Graham (c. 1758-1803), who was a merchant in Alexandria. Her parents emigrated from Scotland via Ireland to Alexandria sometime before Elizabeth's birth. Both of Elizabeth's parents died in a outbreak of yellow fever in Alexandria in 1803. Elizabeth and her orphan siblings joined the home of their uncle, Hamilton Graham of Baltimore, Maryland. She probably finished this sampler before her parents died. Elizabeth married William Rosensteel at Saint John's Church in Baltimore in 1810. Her granddaughter and probable namesake Elizabeth G. Wells married Edwin C. Fowler in Baltimore, and the embroidery came to Winterthur as a gift from Fowler descendants. This map sampler was previously identified as having an origin in Baltimore, Maryland, but the research of Gloria Allen has identified the map as being one of a number of known map embroideries made in Alexandria, Virginia. It is possible that Elizabeth worked this map sampler while a student at Mrs. O'Reilly or Mrs. Cooke's Schools. (Allen, Gloria S. 2012. Columbia's Daughters: Girlhood Embroidery from the District of Columbia, Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly, pp. 58-67.)(RGW, 09/08/2014)

Place of Origin

Alexandria, Virginia, United States, North America

Secondary Place of Origin

Alexandria, Virginia, United States, North America

Secondary Origin Notes

Elizabeth may have worked this sampler possibly while attending Mrs. O'Reilly or Mrs. Cooke's Schools in Alexandria, Virginia.

Date

1800-1803

Subjects

Washington, George

Materials

Silk; Linen; Paint

Techniques

Embroidered, Woven (plain)

Construction Description

Hand-painted, Hand-embroidered

Dimensions (inches)

18.75 (L) , 27.875 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

47.625 (L) , 70.802 (W)

Measurement Notes

The measurements are the area visible within the frame. Measurements taken from the reverse side of what appears to be the size of the original embroidery before mounting. L 19.25" x W 28.125"

Object Description

Web - 09/08/2014

This map sampler was worked by Elizabeth Graham (1790-1870), of Alexandria, Virginia, between the years 1800 and 1803. She was about 10-13 years old. This map sampler was previously identified as having an origin in Baltimore, Maryland, but it has recently been identified as one of a number of known "Plan of the City of Washington" map embroideries made in Alexandria, Virginia. It is possible that Elizabeth worked this map sampler while a student at Mrs. O'Reilly or Mrs. Cooke's Schools. The few known map samplers show exceptional skill and patience. These elaborate embroideries are considered by many to be exceptional examples from the American Federal period. This map sampler is an extraordinary and rare survival.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Allen, Gloria Seaman. 2012 Columbia's Daughters: Girlhood Embroidery from the District of Columbia.
Embroidery published on p. 62, information on related emroideries on pp. 58-67.
[Article] Brueckner, Martin. Common Destinations: Maps in the American Experience. Antiques and Fine Art. (Spring 2013): 142-149.
Published: p. 146
[Book] Tyner, Judith A. 2014 Stitching the World: Map Samplers and Women's Geographical Education.