IES German Sampler 1704

Description

This intricate and involved sampler features many traditional German sampler motifs dating from the sixteenth century including a large parrot, a peacock with silver tips on its wings, the Lamb of God, as well as a depiction of the Crucifixion flanked by Mother Mary and Mary Magdalen. There are many elaborate floral and geometric pattern bands, three alphabets and a set of numerals in unusual styles. In the upper left corner of the original sampler there was a shadow of a motif, attribution and date that was stitched with black silk and had all but faded on the front but was still visible on the back: IES 1704. This has been reproduced. The initials and date are repeated beneath the first alphabet, so it was signed and dated in at least two places. Worked with silk and metallic silver, the stitches used are primarily cross, with some petit point and double running and back stitched embellishments. Other sections of the original sampler had also been stitched with black silk and had all but faded on the front and the back, so I have reconstructed those sections with motifs appropriate to the time and place, in black. On 40 count linen the reproduction will most closely approximate the size of the original at 13″ x 32″. It is recommended for any skill level.