Sampler (Spot motif sampler)

Description

This is a silk on linen spot motif sampler. It was worked in 1838 by Anna Bilem (or Bliem) who was possibly from Lancaster or Chester County, Pennsylvania. The mirrored layout on Anna's sampler implies English influence. Typically, motif samplers were arranged asymmetrically unless intended for show. However, during the late nineteenth century, Pennsylvania German samplers become more decorative and began to have mirrored and balanced designs. One of the first Pennsylvania German spot samplers found to employ a mirrored arrangement was in 1798. The use of centered and mirror image motifs increases between 1810 and 1859, suggesting an increased interest in presentation. The inscription on Anna's sampler reads: "anna / blieM / 1838 / JO"