Antique needlepoint cross stitch sampler in gold gilt frame. Circa 1815, this is an architectural design featuring a prominent school as its theme. Alphabet bands and spot motifs further charactrise the work of the young Jane Knowles. She shows the alphabet in rather random order, mixed with a number traditional symbols. The rich symbolism includes a dog (fidelity), dove (charity), falcon (nobility), lion (strength), swan (love, purity) and Eve picking an apple from a tree with seven apples (early symbolism for the seven deadly sins). She also includes various flowering plants, all having their unique meaning. The predominant thread color is dark forest green, gold/ochre and some beige. Silk on linen. Remarkable condition with no staining, discoloration, no visible wear to the linen base or silk stitching. Our conservator treated the piece with gentle vacuuming of the front and back, humidification, new backing board, batting and lining, new muslin behind sampler and re-mounting. Frame has a number of wear marks consistent with its age.

SOLD