MAG Collection - Sampler

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Sampler

1819
10 1/4 x 10 3/4 in. (26 x 27.3 cm)

Ann Gennett Pixley Lacey
United States (1809 - 1841)

Object Type: Textiles

Medium and Support: Silk thread cross-stitch on linen

Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dunn

Accession Number: 1978.191

Location: Currently on view

Link to this object

The Memorial Art Gallery is fortunate to have in its collection both a portrait of Ann Gennett Lacey and an example of her needlework made when she was only ten years old (see row seven of her sampler). She was probably enrolled at a female academy in Riga, west of Rochester, where she was taught these skills.

Following the American Revolution, schools for young women began to flourish, and fine needlework was one of the subjects (as well as music, reading, writing, and arithmetic) included in the curriculum. The stitching of samplers was believed to be a sign of virtue, achievement and industry, stitched more to demonstrate education than to preserve a skill.

{Excerpted from gallery text panel, Oct. 2011, Colleen Piccone, Curatorial}

Keywords Click a term to view the records with the same keyword

19th century

folk art

leisure activities

New York State & Local History

1800-1900

textiles

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