Sophie Letailleur, France, 1848
Price: $2400, Sampler size: 15¾" x 19½"

A delightful pictorial sampler, this was made by a 9-year-old French schoolgirl, Sophia Letailleur. Included are depictions of a sailing ship, a large dog at a tree with a bird, vases of flowers and other large and colorful birds on branches. A small wreath with a pair of doves inside, little stars and butterflies provide further decoration and the border is a vine with shaded leaves and buds.

The phrasing of the inscription is interesting, "Agee de 9 ans Annee dix848," using "dix" instead of the digit 1. Good images, strong color, neat stitching and the unusual origin combine to make this an appealing sampler.

Worked in silk on linen, it is in excellent condition and has been conservation mounted into a fine 19th century rosewood frame.