Elizabeth Hancock

This is a beautifully made English sampler that features an unusual and highly appealing scene of a crowned angel with several winged cherub heads floating nearby. Billowing clouds, a sun and a crescent moon, both of these animated with faces, and several stars complete the upper region while a layered green lawn with plants, potted flowers and baskets of fruit with backward looking birds perched on top, ground the earthly portion. The angel was stitched with particular detail, including her red and white sash and articulated hands. She, and all of the cherubs, have full heads of stitched curly black hair.  

These whimsical pictorial elements contrast nicely with the serious religious verse, and a tightly worked border of strawberries frames it all nicely. 

Worked in silk on linen, the sampler is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in a fine, gold leaf frame.