Embroidered sampler 1819

Caroline Carleton created this embroidered sampler in 1819 when she was just nine years old. The muted browns and creams give the piece an antique feel, a sense of delicate age. The texture of the fabric and the meticulously stitched letters invite a close, intimate viewing. Arranged in neat rows, the alphabet repeats in varying styles, creating a structured yet decorative composition. The upper section features alphabets, with the stitch-work acting as a structural element that organizes the sampler's surface. Below, Carleton’s name and a brief dedication are stitched, grounding the piece in personal history. The sampler challenges conventional notions of childhood creativity. Instead of free-form expression, we see disciplined skill. The structure of the sampler and its formal, almost mathematical arrangement of letters and patterns, emphasizes a system of order and learning. It's a testament to both Carleton’s skill, and the values of education and discipline in the 19th century.