Sampler (Band sampler)

Description

This is a linen band sampler worked in 1726 with silk threads by Mary Fitz-Randolph of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Mary's sampler is worked in a style more characteristic of the late 17th century. It is long and narrow, and contains ten bands of various geometric, vine, and floral motifs worked in polychrome silk. Little is known about the transition of style between needlework of the 17th and 18th centuries. Winterthur's collection contains the earliest known silkwork picture from New Jersey, worked in the early 18th century by Anne Carlisle who lived in Cumberland County. Interestingly, this"piece is also worked in a style more characteristic of the 17th century. The inscription on Mary's sampler reads: "MARY FITZ / RAnDOLPHH / AGED 16 YEARS / MAY THE 24 1726"