Embroidered Sampler 1800

This embroidered sampler, dated 1800, is a testament to the skill of Laura Hyde, a young woman who created this work at the age of 13. It is a visual record of early 19th-century needlework traditions and decorative arts. The sampler features a diverse array of motifs, including an eagle, a goat, a floral design, a stylized cityscape, and a maritime scene with ships and sailboats, demonstrating the breadth of Laura's talent and perhaps hinting at her interests. This sampler, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fascinating glimpse into the life and artistry of a young woman in the late 18th century.