My Life is a Flower circa 1725

Description

Although unsigned and undated, this remarkably well-preserved English sampler was probably made in the first quarter of the 18th century. It resembles the 17th century band samplers, but with some significant differences: verses are a prominent feature, with large lettering, not as many different stitches are used, there is more open space, and more attention has been paid to symmetry and balance. The square section in the lower third was probably set aside for the maker’s name but was not completed on the original. Other dated examples of this type of sampler can be seen in the Fitzwilliam’s collection: strongly vertical samplers, yet not as narrow as the bands of the previous century: brightly colored, and perhaps a bit more naive, indicating the younger age of the makers.