Sampler (Pictorial sampler)

Description

This is a linen pictorial sampler worked with silk threads in 1794 by Susan Smith while attending The Balch School in Providence, Rhode Island. Founder and schoolmistress Mary Balch is one of the most recognized needlework instructors of the 18th century. The work of her students is exceptional and sought after by many collectors today. Susan Smith's sampler is a good example of the delicate and artistic quality of Balch School needlework. While needlework patterns vary greatly, similar motifs and techniques are recognizable. Susan's sampler, for example, is similar to one worked by Mary Tillinghast in 1796, who also attended The Balch School. Like Susan, Mary Tillinghast features the First Baptist Meeting House in Providence. Motifs such as flying birds and large border roses are nearly identical to those both found in Susan's and Mary's samplers. Susan's sampler also includes aphorisms commonly found on Balch-school samplers. The inscription reads: "Let Virtue be A Guide to thee / Octr. 29, 1793. / S S / Susan Smith / Was born May 28, 1783 and / Wrought this May 9 1794 / In thy fair Book of life divine My God inscribe this Name / There let it fill some humble Place Beneath the slaughter'd Lamb"