Miniature Brick House Sampler. circa 1800.

During the twentieth century, Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) assembled a vast collection of antiques made and used in America between 1640 and 1860 to furnish and decorate the interiors of his home. He had a special love for textiles and needlework; as a result, he acquired more than 700
pieces of American needlework for what is now the Winterthur Museum collection.

In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, girls learned needlework skills so that they would be proficient as adults. Some learned at home; others were sent to schools to learn under skilled needlewomen. One of the first things a girl created was a sampler to showcase the various stitches she had learned. Those of a diminutive size were often stitched as a gift or presentation piece. The antique original (Winterthur accession no. 1964.1632) of the Miniature Brick House Sampler is of American origin and was made sometime between 1780 and 1820. Silk threads in cross-stitch and
satin stitches were used for the border of stylized rose buds and the house with its five windows, two chimneys, and a door.

Stitched in cross-stitch and satin stitch.

Size: 3.75" x 3.5" (9.5cm x 9 cm)
Thread Count: 40 count ( 16 thr/cm) linen
Colour:
Recommended Level: Beginner
Cost: cht. $12.00
Categories: , Miniatures, Winterthur
ID: 284

All prices are in US Dollars.