Embroidered sampler

Unknown

17th century · Silk and wool on linen · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This work is an example of a Marken Island sampler. Samplers from this area are characterized by bands of colorful patterns. Girls stitched these bands to practice patterns for "vernaaide linten," ribbons that were attached to a cap and which were an important part of the costume tradition on Marken Island. These ribbons consisted of black embroidery on white linen. The women of Marken are said to have kept their samplers in or near their kitchens for handy reference, so much of the needlework appears darkened from residue from cooking fires. Samplers from this area, including this one, often include striped horses. This work’s other motifs include a peacock, dog in a house or other enclosure, human figures, and striped roosters.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Silk and wool on linen

Culture

Dutch, Marken Island

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

From the Collection of Mrs. Lathrop Colgate Harper, Bequest of Mabel Herbert Harper, 1957