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A German Band Sampler, circa 1710 |
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 This extraordinary band sampler was probably made in Saxony, in the area of
Dresden. Its size, excellent color and condition, and the wonderful elements
of design- some derived from the classic sixteenth century pattern books of
Sibmacher and Schönsperger, others quite unprecedented such as the large
church- make this a unique work of textile art. Saxony band samplers were
made from the late seventeenth through the late eighteenth century, with
later examples becoming increasingly shorter, and including different motifs
such as human figures. The date of circa 1710 for this sampler is a
conservative, educated guess: it could be as early as 1690, but not any
later than 1710. Another Saxony band sampler exists incorporating similar
flower vases and a nearly identical alphabet, and it is marked 1695. Above
the church are elaborate corner ("pillow") patterns, often seen on
seventeenth century samplers, but not as common on later works. The large
vase with flowers, near the top, could have been derived from Rosina Helena
Fürst's pattern book from the 1670's. The church is the most stunning and
unusual motif on this sampler. As far as we know, it was not taken from any
published pattern, but is likely the maker's original design, perhaps an
existing Roman style church or chapel in her neighborhood, or one adapted
from an engraving. Stitches used are cross and double running. The palette
contains 32 different colors.Click on photos to enlarge |
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 details of motif |
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LINEN: 35 count FINISHED SIZE: 11-1/2" x 44-1/2" SKILL LEVEL: Any KIT WITH COTTON FLOSS $83.00 KIT WITH SILK FLOSS $170.00 GRAPH ONLY $20.00 |
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