Embroidered Sampler 1835

This is an embroidered sampler made in 1833 by Magdalena Denlinger. During the 19th century, young girls often created samplers to demonstrate their needlework skills and literacy. These pieces were not just displays of skill, but affirmations of cultural expectations. Denlinger’s sampler, stitched with her name and the year, echoes this tradition. These samplers offer us a glimpse into the lives of young women, where domestic skills were a cornerstone of their identity and future roles within the family. Note how this sampler has a personal touch with the inclusion of motifs such as stylized flowers, birds, and geometric patterns which add a layer of individuality to the piece. By examining this sampler, we can consider how women navigated their identities through the needle and thread, creating a visual record of their place in the world.