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MARGRET MASON
1660 |
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Samplers of the 17th century are recognized
as being some of the finest examples of this needle-art form
in existence. An exquisite combination of Renaissance-influenced,
intricate pattern bands, with a wide variety of stitches, and
subtle shadings of color, resulted in a group of distinguished
needleworks that were made by adult and younger women alike.
Before the sampler was confined to the schoolroom and turned
into a rote exercise of practicing alphabets, as transpired through
the 19th century, it reigned as the supreme example of the needle's
Excellency - hence the derivation of the name itself, from the
Latin exemplar: the best and finest example of a woman's needlework,
the thing to aspire toward. Margret Mason's sampler of 1660 demonstrates
traditional pattern bands, with some novel twists. Architectural
devices are rarely, if ever, seen on such early samplers, yet
alongside her intensely decorated floral and fruit bands we find
a large castle complete with crenellated keep and mullioned windows,
with a path leading to a brick walled knot garden. The boxer
motifs found at the top derive, some believe, from Italian Renaissance
embroidery patterns. The term boxer refers
to their pugilistic stance; however historically they could represent
a lover presenting a trophy, or a gift, to the loved one. Margret
Mason's boxers are dressed in Cavalier fashion. Above them, the
Stuart S motifs could indicate her loyalty to the then-king,
James II, although this motif could also have been employed without
the stitcher having any particular political convictions, as
it is not uncommon on samplers of the mid to late 17th century. |
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Origin and date: English
1660
Rated: Very Advanced
Linen count and finished size: 35-count/7" x 24"
Stitches: cross, backstitch, double running, tent, stem, Montenegrin
cross stitch, French knots, Algerian eyelet, chain, and satin.
Source: Victoria and
Albert Museum, London,
England
Kit with cotton floss: $45.00
Kit with silk floss: $80.00
Graph only: $18.00
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