Stoplap van veelkleurige katoen op katoen. 1916

This is a sampler made from multicolored cotton on cotton, created by H.M. de Swart-van Akkeren in 1916. The grid format and the variety of stitching techniques point to its educational purpose. In the Netherlands at this time, there was a strong cultural emphasis on domestic skills for women. Looking closely, you'll see the initials ‘CMS’ stitched into the center. This most likely refers to the Christelijke Meisjesschool, or Christian Girls School. The restrained color palette and neat execution suggest the values instilled in these institutions, prioritizing order, diligence, and religious devotion. Such samplers offer us a glimpse into the social conditions that shaped women's lives and expectations in the early 20th century. By consulting school archives and historical accounts, we can better understand the role of these institutions in shaping social norms and gender roles. We can also understand the ways art reflected social change.