SDW circa 1710 German Band Sampler

Description

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.

Anka Meyer sent an email about the church in the sampler:

“I grew up in Dresden (Saxony) Germany and looking out my window, across the river Elbe, I had a view of this Church named ‘Maria on the Water’ which does look very similar to the one, pictured in your sampler.

Maria on Water Church (Kirche Maria am Wasser)
ROMANTIC BAROQUE CHURCH
Address: Kirchgasse 6, Dresden, 01326
Phone: +49 351 261 8330
Website Address: http://www.maria-am-wasser.de/

Idyllically situated near the River Elbe in the centre of town, Maria am Wasser (‘Mary on the water’) was built in 1479 for the boatmen who wanted to pray before and after their voyages. Many architectural changes were made to the church over the centuries, although baroque features still dominate heavily. Kirche ‘Maria am Wasser’ is surrounded by a cemetery (the final resting place of many famous names) and a high wall which was designed to protect the church from floods.”