Cooper Hewitt

Sampler

Elizabeth Sexton · 1660

MediumMedium: silk, linen Technique: embroidered with brick, buttonhole, couching, double running, eyelet, long-armed cross, running, and satin stitches on plain weave Label: Brick, buttonhole, couching, double running, eyelet, long-armed cross, running, and satin stitches in silk on linen plain weave

DepartmentCooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

RightsCC0 — Public Domain

CollectionCooper Hewitt

A band sampler worked on linen in a variety of stiches in colored silk with decorative rows of flowers, including roses, carnations, acorns, and strawberries. The year 1660 in which Elizabeth Sexton embroidered her sampler, found England in a state of great excitement. Parliament had invited the exiled Charles II to return to England where a year later he was crowned King. The spreading loyalty for Charles and the desire for the restoration of the monarchy is revealed in this embroidery by the careful choice of the oak tree motif, the stately house, and rows of acorns.

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