Lot 261: 2 18th C. Needlework Samplers incl. New Jersey

Two schoolgirl Needlework Samplers,18th century. 1st item: American silk on linen cross-stitched sampler featuring a sawtooth border enclosing an alphabet and dated Jan. 1, 1793, signed SITHA VAN DUYNE BORN OCTOBER THE 29TH THE YEAR 1777. The lower half of the sampler is unfinished. 10" x 9", float mounted under glass atop a cream mat in a later gilt molded frame, 14" x 13". Note: This is likely the sampler of Elizabeth Van Duyne, also spelled Van Duyn, daughter of Abraham Van Duyne and Rachel Jacobus of Morris County, NJ. She lived her entire life in Morris County, marrying John MIlledge in 1802 and bearing 5 children. She died in 1850. 2nd item: English Pictorial silk on linen cross-stitched sampler, featuring a strawberry and sawtooth border enclosing two alphabets and a row of numbers over a verse extolling respect for parents, signed MARY GOODWYN AGED 16 1764, over a field of flowering plants, birds and black and white sheep or cows on grassy mounds. Sight: 14"H x 11" W. Framed under glass in a molded wood frame 17 1/2"H x 14" W.

PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee collection.

CONDITION: Both samplers overall good condition. 1st item: Fading to thread and even darkening to ground. 2nd item: 1" hole to ground near one sheep, other areas of thinning to ground lower left and upper right; a few scattered stains. Minor wear to frames and both frames are 20th century. Neither sampler has been examined out of its frame, but both appear to be stitched to backing versus glued down.