Merklap van wollen mousseline waarop met zijde in kruissteken is geborduurd SARA VAN DER HEIDE en ANNO 1682, bloemen en vruchten 1682

This sampler was made in 1682 out of wool and embroidered with silk by Sara van der Heide. These samplers were common in the Netherlands, and served as important educational tools, particularly for young women. Floral motifs and other decorative patterns demonstrated a girl's skill in needlework, a valued accomplishment. The act of creating a sampler was laden with social expectations. It was a way for young women to learn the skills needed to manage a household and demonstrate their suitability for marriage. These textiles are like time capsules, offering glimpses into the lives and expectations placed on women in the 17th century. Delving into local archives and historical accounts, we can uncover the stories behind these objects and shed light on the experiences of individuals like Sara van der Heide. Ultimately, this sampler is a testament to the ways in which art can reflect and reinforce social norms, while also offering opportunities for individual expression within those constraints.