Mourning Sampler c. 1810

This "Mourning Sampler" was painstakingly embroidered, likely in the 19th century, using silk thread on a linen ground. These samplers were a common form of needlework, often undertaken by young women to demonstrate their skills. But this example transcends mere technical exercise. The imagery — weeping willows, paired urns on a shared monument — speaks to a deep cultural engagement with mourning. Look closely, and you can almost feel the weight of the symbolism, rendered stitch by stitch. The linen provides a subtle backdrop, allowing the silk to gleam and catch the light, adding an emotional resonance to the scene. There is incredible labor involved in the making of this artwork. In this period, young women did not have many economic opportunities, making the acquisition of such skill a means of improving their social standing. This piece reminds us that the act of making can be deeply intertwined with social rituals, gendered expectations, and the human need to express grief. It challenges the distinction between craft and fine art, urging us to see the emotional and cultural depth embedded in everyday materials and processes.