Embroidered sampler 1840

This embroidered sampler, created in 1840 by Elizabeth Coons, exemplifies a popular form of needlework practiced by young girls in the 19th century. The sampler, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a meticulous arrangement of the alphabet in both uppercase and lowercase, along with numerals. The inscription at the bottom, "Elizabeth Coons Sampler Halfmoon Saratoga County N.Y. Aged 12 years & May 28th 1840," reveals details about the young artist and her accomplishment. Samplers like this served as a testament to a girl's developing skills and provided a record of her personal information, often including her age and the date of completion.