Hannah Hocknell, England, 1832
Price: $975, Sampler size: 14½" x 13"

English samplers are known for their strong symmetrical composition and finely stitched motifs. As she notes in her inscription "Hannah Hocknell finished this sampler in the 11 year of her age 1832," making her 10 years old (one is 10 when one is in the 11th year of one's age). Hannah's inscription is finely framed and surrounded by small motifs including crowns, animals and geometric ornamentation; as well as larger potted flowering plants. She practiced her lettering in the form of a cautionary verse. The wording is bordered by flowers and trees and candelabras, which are quite unusual on a sampler.

A desirable element of many samplers is a depiction of Adam and Eve at the apple tree with the serpent. Miss Hocknell's version is charming, in that she also distinguishes which figure is which with initials. Eve is holding the apple, as well. Hannah chooses a handsome palette of dark green, browns, blue and tan, and encloses her composition in a tight strawberry border.

Worked in silk on wool this sampler is in very good condition slight darkening to the wool. It has been conservation mounted into its fine original mahogany frame with pressed brass rosettes in the corners.