1958.2013 Lace Sampler and 1965.0684 A Frame
  • 1958.2013 Lace Sampler and 1965.0684 A Frame
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Sampler (Lace sampler)

  • Category:

    Textiles (Needlework)

  • Creator (Role):

    Sarah Keen (Maker)

  • Place of Origin:

    Chester, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

  • Materials:

    Linen

  • Techniques:

    Embroidered, Woven (plain), Cut work, Hollie point, Drawn, Dresden work, Lace work

  • Museum Object Number:

    1958.2013


  • Complete Details



Object Number

1958.2013

Object Name

Sampler (Lace sampler)

Category

Textiles (Needlework)

Credit Line/Donor

Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Creator (Role)

Sarah Keen (Maker)
Sarah Keen worked this lace sampler in 1762. She may have been from Chester County, PA.

Place of Origin

Chester, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Signature; Bottom band; "SARAH <> KEEN <> 1762" (linen threads)

Materials

Linen

Techniques

Embroidered, Woven (plain), Cut work, Hollie point, Drawn, Dresden work, Lace work

Construction Description

Hand-embroidered

Dimensions (inches)

8.12 (L) , 6.87 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

20.625 (L) , 17.45 (W)

Measurement Notes

Dimensions refer to area of needlework visible within frame.

Object Description

Web - 04/04/2014

This cut work lace sampler was worked by Sarah Keen, possibly from Chester County, Pennsylvania, dated 1762. This is a cut work lace sampler with a variety of needle lace stitches. Lace samplers are very delicate and surviving examples are rare. It exemplifies characteristics typical of Chester County in the late 18th century. Other, more contemporary names for this method are drawn work, pointing, or hollie point. Sarah signs: "SARAH KEEN 1762".

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Swan, Susan Burrows. 1977 Plain & Fancy: American Women and Their Needlework, 1700-1850.
Published: p. 51, fig. 19
[Book] Swan, Susan Burrows. 1995 Plain and Fancy: American Women and their Needlework, 1650-1850.
Published: p. 138, fig. 75
[Book] Ring, Betty. 1993 Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework 1650-1850. II.
Similar: p. 348, fig. 367