Embroidered band sampler 1648

This embroidered band sampler was created by Mary Pots sometime in the 17th century. Note the prominent motifs: stylized flowers, geometric patterns, and alphabets stitched in a row. These aren't mere decorations; they're powerful symbols. Consider the rose, emblem of love and beauty, here repeated in various forms. We see echoes of the rose throughout history, from ancient Roman gardens to medieval tapestries. In the Renaissance, Botticelli painted roses with divine grace in his "Primavera." What is it about the rose that captures our imagination across centuries? Perhaps its beauty and fragility strike a chord deep within our collective consciousness. Like the serpent—a symbol of cyclical regeneration—the rose returns, carrying layers of meaning. Pots' sampler isn't just a display of skill; it's a testament to the enduring power of symbols. The images and emotional memory associated with the rose are non-linear, constantly resurfacing and evolving in different historical contexts.