Sampler 1829

"Sampler" is a traditional needlework art piece created by Eliza Hodges Oliver in 1829. It features a poem, the alphabet, numbers, and a simple floral design, all meticulously stitched on linen. Samplers were a popular form of needlework education for young girls in the 19th century. They often displayed a variety of stitches, patterns, and alphabets to demonstrate the girl's skill and knowledge. This sampler, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Oliver's proficiency in embroidery and provides a glimpse into the life of a young American girl in the 1820s.