Merklap van linnen met een stramien van rode letters en cijfers, gemerkt: GG c. 1888 - 1894

This linen sampler, likely from the Netherlands, features red cross-stitched letters and numbers and is initialed GG. It provides a glimpse into the cultural values and social structures of its time. Samplers like these were often created by young girls as a demonstration of their needlework skills and literacy. They served as a testament to a girl's education and preparation for domestic responsibilities, reflecting the gendered expectations prevalent in Dutch society. The sampler's grid of letters and numbers also served as a model for future needlework projects, preserving patterns and techniques within families and communities. The presence of the sampler within a museum collection invites us to consider how institutions shape our understanding of art and history. These objects offer valuable insights into the lives and experiences of women in the past, challenging traditional narratives that often overlook their contributions. To gain a deeper understanding of this sampler, we could investigate Dutch educational practices and textile traditions. By exploring these resources, we can appreciate how this seemingly simple object speaks volumes about the social and cultural context in which it was created.