Embroidered sampler 1805

This 1805 sampler, created by Mary Parker, is a quintessential example of needlework art from the early 19th century. The sampler features a central scene depicting a house surrounded by trees and a fence, meticulously stitched in colorful thread. The upper portion of the sampler includes rows of embroidered letters and numbers, a common practice for young girls to practice their needlework skills and demonstrate their proficiency in the alphabet. The sampler, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and skills of young women during the early 19th century.