Dutch Sampler, 1779

This handsome Dutch Sampler is dated 1779 and presents an excellent assortment of classic Dutch sampler motifs, some of them biblical. The central image is Adam and Eve, with their initials identifying them at the base of the tree and the large serpent wending his way up the tree trunk. Along the right side are the Spies of Canaan, Joshua and Caleb carrying their very large bunch of grapes. 

In the upper left we see a variation of the Dutch Maiden Lady and the Holy Lions, another classic motif. The Holy Lions look a bit more like adorable, oversized dogs in this case. 

Some Dutch samplermakers included depictions of household furnishings as we see on this one - the linen cupboard at left, and the baby cradle next to the Spies. There must have been a few more motifs planned for this sampler; however, we appreciate the work that was completed. 

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