Hanah Watts

This very large and fine Biblical sampler offers splendid aesthetics and superb needlework. Moses and Aaron are depicted in spectacular and highly detailed robes; notable is Aaron’s breast plate showing stones for each of the 12 tribes. The two men flank arched tablets with the Ten Commandments executed in extremely precise and minute stitches. The combination of the towering figures - Aaron is 12” tall! – and the tiny lettering is very appealing. 

The top portion of the sampler depicts billowing clouds with heralding angles and a large central sun, with sunrays from two other suns, all worked in metallic threads. The Hebrew word at the middle of the center sun loosely translates to read “Torah.” 

The inscription along the bottom reads, “Hanah Watts Finished in the Eleventh Year of her Agd Anno Domni 176 _.” The last digit of the year is hard to read. 

The sampler was worked in silk and metallic thread on linen and it is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in burl frame with a gilt liner.