Sampler

Phinney, Ann Jane · 1818

Large sampler with allover embroidery in shades of green, brown, and blue (predominant colors) silk thread on beige linen ground; geometric leaf vine border pattern in cross stitch with repeating acorn-like figure; lower third depicts Federal style house façade with 2 adjoining buildings, 1 with 4 open bays containing carriages [?]; several birds, 1 tree, and 1 bird bath (?) above and below buildings; begins across top with small capital letters A-W in first row [with extra M and N in different style, extra backwards P between P and Q, and no X-Z]; next row larger capital letters: A-O; next row: P-Z [with "&" at end, and Q like a backwards P]; next row lowercase letters: a-z, and numbers 1-7 [with extra long "s"]; followed by text: "GREAT God, to thee my voice I raise/ To thee my youngest hours belong/ I would begin my Life with praise/ Till [sic] growing years improve with song"; embroidered at bottom under buildings: "Ann Jane PHINNEY'S æt. nine Years A.D. 1818" [ "æt." abbreviation for ætatis, Latin for "aged" or "at the age of"]; stitches include cross, satin, and Algerian eye. Accession number applied to back of frame only.* Dimensions of sampler below; frame measures 19 1/4 x 19 1/4 x 3/4 (depth does not include wire and screw eyes on back).