Sampler (Lace sampler)

Description

This delicate lace or whitework sampler, also known as Dresden work, was embroidered by Jane Little in 1793. This type of work requires great skill. Jane's sampler is closely related to two others, one worked by Mary Jones in 1795 (in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art) and a second worked by I.G. and dated 1790 (in the collection of the Chester County Historical Society). The baskets, leaves, and lacework techniques are almost identical, but Jane Little’s is the only one whose border is separated by a frame of triangles worked in satin stitch. Neither of the other makers has been positively identified, which adds to the significance of this example. Jane's sampler remains laced to its original cedar mount, a method that is characteristic of the mid-Atlantic region. Also characteristic is the green silk ribbon and bows bordering the piece.