Sampler 1688

This sampler was created by Mercy Mackett, with unknown date, and it’s made of linen with silk and metallic thread. Needlework samplers like this one were a common aspect of girls' education, offering an insight into the domestic expectations of women and girls at that time. These samplers were not just about learning stitches; they were about learning to be a woman. Examining the stitches and motifs, we can see the influence of traditional patterns, yet a personal expression shines through, complicating any straightforward reading of the artwork as a symbol of female oppression. The discipline required to complete such work coexists with the creative freedom exercised in the selection and arrangement of the patterns. Mackett's sampler, therefore, becomes a space where traditional roles are both reinforced and subtly questioned, showcasing the complex negotiation of identity within the confines of domestic expectations.