Sampler 1836

"Sampler" created in 1836 by Mary Burr when she was 12 years old, is a quintessential example of a needlework sampler. The piece, now in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Burr's skill in embroidery, featuring a meticulously crafted house, stylized trees, and floral motifs. The inscription at the bottom, "Mary Burr Her Work Aged 12 years 1836 / My Mother Taught Me This Needle Work To Do," highlights the traditional role of women in 19th-century society and emphasizes the importance of domestic arts in a girl's education.