An English sampler employing many unusual stitches and motifs, with exceptionally preserved color.  A bold arcaded four-sided floral border surrounds a central reserve.  At the top is a bank of satin-stitched clouds, followed by a verse cartouche flanked by flying angels.  At the center is a large house on top of a very high hill with a flock of birds flying in the sky to the left, and to the right an elaborate evergreen tree.  There is a lake below this scene with one boat bearing a passenger, another boat is moored below the house.  Two graceful swans swim together in the lake.  Stitches used in the sampler include cross, Gobelin. counted satin, eyelet, tent, and petit point.

The verse is:

THE BRIGHTEST THINGS BELOW THE SKY

GIVE BUT A FLATTERING LIGHT

WE SHOULD SUSPECT SOME DANGER NIGH

WHERE WE POSSESS DELIGHT

Excellent color, very good condition (a few small holes), conservation mounted in a new tiger maple frame.

Sight 16″ x 13″, with frame 19″ x 16″