Collections record Beta

Collection Record Detail

Object Name

Sampler

Object Number

2024-18-1

Description

Rectangular marking sampler with green, blue, brown, yellow, and off-white embroidery on off-white linen ground. Border on three sides formed by two lines of offset cross-stitch. Sampler begins with six lines of alphabet in different styles and cases, executed in either cross-stitch or chain stitch. The sampler is then marked, "Esther Hart Morse/Sampler. Wrought in the 15 year of her age. 1828." Underneath is a verse, "Early now in youthful bloom/Strive to walk in wisdoms ways/Then through lifes uneven tide/Happiness will crown your days/Every year that passes by/Reminds us death is drawing nigh," in bordered box (left); and the numbers 1-10, a lowercase alphabet, and five birds (possibly doves) on floral branches, all in bordered box (right). Along the bottom edge is an embroidered scene showing three buildings (largest at center) with picket fences, trees, and birds. Sampler is framed under glass in modern wood frame, gilt paint.

Provenance

Esther Hart Morse (1813-1843) was born in either Morris or Northfield (Litchfield), Connecticut. She died in Harwinton in 1843, after marrying Merritt Marks. The LHS archives contains a land deed for the estate of Merritt Marks (00-2010-259-0).

Comment

Esther Hart Morse is listed as a possible student at the Litchfield Female Academy. However, no citation of attendance has been found beyond Esther's 1828 sampler. As marking sampler were rarely made while attending the school, Esther's attendance remains questionable.