Mary Brown 1829

A Scottish sampler executed with wool and silk on linen, featuring many traditional Scottish needlework motifs including an arcaded pansy band across the top, illuminated letters, family initials, peacocks, “stacked” trees, and a fine stone mansion house. A soldier and a woman flank the house with birds, crowns and plants around them as well as a miniature depiction of Solomon’s Temple, all within a four sided stylized floral border. Stitches used are cross, eyelet, double running and counted satin. Both color and condition are very good with some very small stains above the house. The illuminated initials JB and AP refer to Mary’s parents, John Brown and Ann Preston. Mary Brown was born on July 13, 1818, in Dundee, Angus, Scotland, and was ten years old when she made her sampler. 21″ x 21-1/2″, modern frame.