Sampler (Pictorial sampler)

Description

Dated 1766, Elizabeth Elmendorph's pictorial sampler is worked in silk on loosely-woven linen. Elizabeth was from New York City, and studied at an unknown school. Her biblical sampler belongs to a distinct group of samplers from New York. Within this group there is a consistent use of major motifs pertaining to four to six biblical scenes, including in most cases the scene of Adam and Eve, framed by a deeply arcaded tripartite border. Variations in the overall design are slight. These samplers, biblical in nature, were worked by girls receiving religious instruction. The inscription reads: "ELiZaBeth ELmendorPh Her WorK AGed 10 YearS / 1766" The "Y" in "YearS" is worked backward. This happens on a number of other examples within this group.