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Object Timeline

-0001

2003

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Sampler (USA)

This is a Sampler. It was embroidered by Abigail Pearson. It is dated 1802 and we acquired it in 2003. Its medium is silk embroidery on linen foundation and its technique is embroidered in cross stitch on plain weave foundation. It is a part of the Textiles department.

The embroidered samplers in the museum’s collection are some of the most outstanding examples of this type found anywhere in the world. With over 1,000 examples that range from the 17th through the early 20th century, the samplers originate from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, Mexico, Great Britain, and the United States.
This sampler is part of an extraordinary gift of more than 40 samplers. The samplers span almost 200 years and are from countries such as England, Germany, Romania, Spain, Italy, Mexico, and the United States.

This object was donated by William H. Mathers and Myra Mathers. It is credited Gift of Myra and William H. Mathers.

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 55.9 x 25.4 cm (22 x 10 in.)

It is inscribed

Abigail Pearson sampler wrought in the twelfth year of her age 1802

Cite this object as

Sampler (USA); Embroidered by Abigail Pearson (American); silk embroidery on linen foundation; H x W x D: 55.9 x 25.4 cm (22 x 10 in.); Gift of Myra and William H. Mathers; 2003-14-22-a,b

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18697383/ |title=Sampler (USA) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=20 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>