Borduurlap van linnen c. 1880 - 1905

This embroidered sampler was made on linen, by a student at the Industrieschool De Windroos. These so-called 'industrial schools' emerged in the Netherlands, as in many other countries, to provide practical training to young people, often from working-class backgrounds, teaching them skills that would enable them to find employment. Here we see different embroidery stitches, demonstrating a young woman’s mastery of technique, and her ability to produce high-quality textiles. These skills were vital for women entering domestic service, or seeking work in the textile industry. This sampler would have acted as a demonstration piece, and a reference for future commissions. The lack of an exact date for the piece reminds us of the role played by institutions in shaping artistic production. Further research into the history of industrial schools in the Netherlands, and the economic conditions of the time, would shed light on its purpose, and its place in society.