Pa. German Show Towel c. 1937

This 1937 artwork by Frances Lichten depicts a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch show towel, a type of sampler made by women in the region. The show towel features a variety of symbols and motifs, including a heart, stars, birds, and a deer. The inscription on the towel, "JACOB STOUFFER THISTOWE / MADE FOR SAKE-OF / WHEN THIS YOU SEE REMEM / BER ME 1847", suggests that it was made as a gift for Jacob Stouffer and reflects the personal nature of these pieces. Pennsylvania Dutch show towels were highly valued objects that often conveyed messages of love, faith, and family.