Important Danish Sampler, dated 1734, Allegory of Springtime

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Important Danish Sampler, dated 1734, Allegory of Springtime

About the Item

Early 18th century samplers made in some of the countries of northern Europe, specifically Germany, Holland and Denmark, can be extraordinarily sophisticated in concept, composition and execution. Danish samplers are more rare than those from the other countries and we are privileged to be able to offer this important example. Visually it is an absolute delight. The subject is an allegorical interpretation of springtime, with many additional vignettes, motifs and architectural patterns, some of which were published in the period. A very similar sampler, depicting autumn and made in 1732, likely by the same stitcher, is published on pages 52 and 53 of Stickmustertucher, by Eva Maria Leszner (Rosenheimer, 1985). Both spring and autumn feature a large, central female figure, the diamond and star band at top, precisely the same two corner blocks flanking the peacock at the bottom and many of the same splendid subjects throughout. Many sets of initials were stitched onto the samplers; typical of northern European samplers, the names of the makers were not included. Extremely fine work in a varied vocabulary of techniques contributes to the strong aesthetics of this sampler. Metallic threads were used to highlight many areas including the dress and jewelry of the grand lady, the jacket of the gentleman with a feathered hat, the elaborate crown held by the pair of heralding angels, the feathers of the peacock, and the horns of the milk cow. Fine and fully worked tent-stitched areas form the building, the corner elements, the flower-strewn hillock under the peacock and many other elements. Some of the tiny pictorial vignettes deserve specific notice, for example, the miniature Adam and Eve near the head of the peacock and the man on horseback and his servant shielding him with a parasol. We feel that the samplermaker could not have improved upon her work. The sampler was worked in silk and metallic threads on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in what is likely its original carved, painted and gilded frame.

Dimensions:
Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Painted
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
dated 1734
Condition:
Seller Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU85831089996