Mary Shields's Sampler

Mary Shields's Sampler

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Description
Two block alphabets of 26 letters. Two rows of evenly spaced small motifs (hearts, birds, crowns, eight-pointed stars). Two small dogs in lower corners. Five whole and four partial geometric crossbands. No border. Wool and silk embroidery thread on linen ground. STITCHES: cross. THREAD COUNT: warp 30, weft 32/in.
Inscriptions:
"On God for all events depend you cannot
want when Gods your friend
The Ant against Cold winter wisely hoard
Provision which The Summer's wealth afford
Reading a Silent Lesson to mankind that they
Ending moove not behind
Better'n the Kindnesses that you Receive
As far as your ability which leave nothing is
More unmannerly than muth as that vile
temper of ingratitude
(This last verse has been badly repaired, and should read: Return the kindnesses that you receive
As far as your ability gives leave Nothing is
more unmannerly nor rude Than that vile
temper of ingratitude)
Mary Shields May the 30 1827"
Background:
Nothing is known about the life of Mary Shields.
Object Name
sampler
Date made
1827
maker
Shields, Mary
Place Made
World
Physical Description
linen (ground fabric material)
silk (embroidery thread material)
Measurements
overall: 15 3/4 in x 13 in; 40.005 cm x 33.02 cm
ID Number
TE.T11676
catalog number
T11676
accession number
219034
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Roger Pryor Templin
subject
Alphabets
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Textiles
Samplers
Textiles
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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