Merklap van katoen waarop met rode zijde IH.SCHOLTZ.ALS.DAS, verschillende andere initialen, springende herten, bloempotten en konijnen, ANNO 1874 1874

This cotton sampler with red silk embroidery was crafted in 1874 by Johanna Hendrika Scholtz. At its heart lies a celebration of nature's bounty. Hares, symbols of fertility and new beginnings, frolic alongside stylized flowerpots, emblems of growth. And then, we see deer which have a long history of being a symbol of wilderness and purity. The deer evokes not only the freedom of nature but also a sense of spiritual grace. Consider, for example, the "deer goddess" found in ancient Minoan art, which is often associated with the powers of the moon and hunting. Here, in Scholtz’s sampler, the animal may resurface as an echo of these ancient associations, a testament to the endurance of symbols across time. This image powerfully engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of peace and harmony with nature.