Incredible 18th Century Folk Art Sampler

A truly EXTRAORDINARY sampler of tremendous quality and a subject matter of the most meaningful proportions.

Also done by a known artist at ONLY 9 years old!

Sampler is signed~

"Susannah Feldwick, finished this May the 22nd-1788, Aged 9 years"

The proverb of this beautiful piece reads as follows:

"In Virtues Paths delight to Tread,

Pray to God for Daily Bread,

And unto Christ to give to Grace,

To Lead you to a Better Place"

It is VERY RARE to find a American NEW ENGLAND sampler THIS EARLY!! It is also QUITE RARE to find one that has the use of BLACK thread, which was a thread used by only the most skilled embroidery.
 

This sampler is almost like a Noah's ark, comprised of all kinds of animals, from various birds to moose, dogs & squirrels, and a vast array of flowers. the work is EXTREMELY FINE, PERFECT, and QUITE breathtaking for a mere 9 year old to accomplish.

The provenance of this piece comes from Leslie Clark of Georgetown. She was on the faculty of Westover School in Connecticut, where Jacqueline Kennedy was educated.

Many of the darker hues of thread have survived quite well. Piece has been well preserved, however, as can be expected in a piece of this incredible age, and comprised mostly of fine linen backing, it has some issues with fading and fraying.

NO RESERVE!!