Embroidered Sampler 1795

This sampler was created by Abigail Ridgway in 1795, using linen and silk thread. These materials are far from esoteric, but their transformation through embroidery is what gives the artwork its power. Consider the inherent qualities of the materials: the humble linen providing a sturdy ground, and the silk, dyed in various colors, used to build up the design, stitch by painstaking stitch. Look closely at the composition – the alphabet, numerals, stylized floral motifs, and animals. Each element meticulously rendered with cross-stitches, satin stitches, and other traditional needlework techniques. Embroidery was a common skill for young women during this time. Needlework was both a practical skill and a demonstration of refinement and patience, valued attributes in a woman. This piece represents hours, if not days, of labor and patience. Its cultural significance lies in its demonstration of domestic virtue. It reflects wider social issues of gender roles and expectations. So, while the materials may seem simple, it’s the making, and the context, that truly reveal the richness and complexity of this artwork.