French Antique Needlework Sampler
This is a precious example of a young girl’s needlework sampler. Completed in cross stitch and red thread by Mademoiselle Heyendrickx, it suggests innocence and simplicity. On the lower left a tag with the girl’s name has been stitched onto the sampler.
Needlework samplers date back to the 15th century. The word sampler derives from the old French term ‘essamplaire’ meaning ‘an example’. Needlework samplers were used as a way of practising the needlework necessary to decorate items such as clothing, tapestries, fire screens and bed linens. In fact, they were educational tools for girls to develop stitchery skills. The vast majority of embroidery samplers that exist today were not made by mature women, but rather, by young girls as part of their education. In the 18th century embroidery samplers were an integral part of the school curriculum in genteel female education. The craft of embroidery was restricted to the wealthy due to the high cost of materials. Needlework samplers displayed wealth and status, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.
This beautiful sampler has recently been reframed. The sampler measures 20 cms by 14.5 cms and the frame measures 38 cms by 33 cms.
This is a precious example of a young girl’s needlework sampler. Completed in cross stitch and red thread by Mademoiselle Heyendrickx, it suggests innocence and simplicity. On the lower left a tag with the girl’s name has been stitched onto the sampler.
Needlework samplers date back to the 15th century. The word sampler derives from the old French term ‘essamplaire’ meaning ‘an example’. Needlework samplers were used as a way of practising the needlework necessary to decorate items such as clothing, tapestries, fire screens and bed linens. In fact, they were educational tools for girls to develop stitchery skills. The vast majority of embroidery samplers that exist today were not made by mature women, but rather, by young girls as part of their education. In the 18th century embroidery samplers were an integral part of the school curriculum in genteel female education. The craft of embroidery was restricted to the wealthy due to the high cost of materials. Needlework samplers displayed wealth and status, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.
This beautiful sampler has recently been reframed. The sampler measures 20 cms by 14.5 cms and the frame measures 38 cms by 33 cms.
This is a precious example of a young girl’s needlework sampler. Completed in cross stitch and red thread by Mademoiselle Heyendrickx, it suggests innocence and simplicity. On the lower left a tag with the girl’s name has been stitched onto the sampler.
Needlework samplers date back to the 15th century. The word sampler derives from the old French term ‘essamplaire’ meaning ‘an example’. Needlework samplers were used as a way of practising the needlework necessary to decorate items such as clothing, tapestries, fire screens and bed linens. In fact, they were educational tools for girls to develop stitchery skills. The vast majority of embroidery samplers that exist today were not made by mature women, but rather, by young girls as part of their education. In the 18th century embroidery samplers were an integral part of the school curriculum in genteel female education. The craft of embroidery was restricted to the wealthy due to the high cost of materials. Needlework samplers displayed wealth and status, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.
This beautiful sampler has recently been reframed. The sampler measures 20 cms by 14.5 cms and the frame measures 38 cms by 33 cms.
