Fragment (From a Sampler) 1821

This is a fragment of a sampler, carefully stitched from fabric and thread by Charlotte M. Berg. You can see a variety of needlework techniques on display, from drawn thread work to embroidery. The texture of the sampler is particularly striking; the drawn thread work creates an open, airy feel, while the embroidered sections add a layer of depth and richness. The processes used to create this piece hold deep social and cultural significance. Needlework was often seen as a way for women to demonstrate their skill and refinement, and samplers like this were frequently used as teaching tools to pass on these skills from one generation to the next. The labor involved in creating a piece like this should not be overlooked. Each stitch was carefully placed by hand, and the creation of the sampler would have required hours of painstaking work. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this piece, we can appreciate the skill and artistry that went into its creation, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.