Sampler

Cleveland Museum of Art

Sampler by unknown artist. Tan fabric with a square shape and a floral border around the edges in shades of brown, green, and blue. Top section features rows of stitched letters in brown and green, with decorative wavy lines separating them. Below the alphabet, a poem stitched in black text reads: "Religion should our thoughts engage Amidst our youthful bloom. 'Twill fit us for declining age And for the awful tomb. Oh may my heart by grace renew'd Be my Redeemer's throne And be my stubborn will subdu'd His government to own. Let lively hope my soul inspire Let warm affections rise. And may I wait with strong desire To mount above the skies," Bottom section contains the following text and images: On the left, "Mary Smith aged 12 years." On the right, "East Dereham December 4th 1822." Centered at the bottom, a basket of fruit. Decorative elements include flowers and leaves throughout.