Artist/Maker Henrietta Schnip (ca. 1828–1909)

Sampler

1834

Place madeNew York, New York

Linen, silk

Overall: 9 x 17 1/2 in. ( 22.9 x 44.4 cm )

Purchased from Elie Nadelman, 1937

INV.1207

This object was once part of the folk art collection of Elie Nadelman (1882-1946), the avant-garde sculptor. From 1924 to 1934, Nadelman's collection was displayed in his Museum of Folk Arts, located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. The Historical Society purchased Nadelman's entire collection in 1937. This object was once part of the folk art collection of Elie Nadelman (1882-1946), the avant-garde sculptor. From 1924 to 1934, Nadelman's collection was displayed in his Museum of Folk Arts, located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. The Historical Society purchased Nadelman's entire collection in 1937. Samplers have a long history, developing over time from personal reference tools into an important component of women’s formal education. By the seventeenth century, the vocabulary of sampler motifs had become international, due in part to the popularity of pattern books that circulated throughout Europe and made their way to America. Viola Nadelman assembled an international sampling of schoolgirl needlework for the Museum of Folk and Peasant Arts including examples made in the United States, France, Germany, England, and Spain. Henrietta Schnip, the daughter of German immigrants living in New York City, worked this sampler at a girl's school when she was around six or seven years old.

DescriptionHorizontal rectangular linen sampler with various colors silk floss; alphabet across top, verse in center with urns containing flowers on each side, inscription across bottom, bordered on sides and top with floral motif; stitches include cross, feather and satin.

MarkingsVerse: "In youth improve your tender mind. / Let virtue be with knowledge join'd. / Pursue the path of truth and love. / And you'll arrive to bliss above." Embroidered: bottom center, brown floss: "Henrietta Schnip / 1834"

ClassificationsTEXTILES