Pennsylvania German Sampler, Warwick, Lancaster Co., Penna., 1820
Price: $2800, Sampler size: 16" x 15¼"

A group of samplers made by Mennonites from the Warwick area of Lancaster County, north of the city of Lancaster, share strong regional characteristics and the specific elements that appear on this finely worked 1820 example. The majority of these samplers were made between 1783 and 1859; the motifs that appear on them include the geometric joining of four hearts, the two corner elements that employ star flowers and carnations growing from a little heart, many other potted carnation and pansy designs, and many crowns. Much like many other published and known Warwick area samplers, this example is unfinished. Samplers of the Pennsylvania Germans by Tandy and Charles Hersh illustrates these samplers on pages 175 through 184 and discusses this group at length.

The typical Pennsylvania German placement of motifs is in evidence on this sampler: elements seem to float on a densely woven white ground, in contrast to the more linear spacing used on most American and English samplers. This, in combination with the stylization of the many flowers, hearts and crowns, and the palette of slate blue, rose, dark brown and tan, creates an almost modern effect.

Worked in silk on linen this sampler is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted in a molded and mustard painted frame.