Pennsylvania needlework pictorial sampler made by Sarah Roberts (b. circa 1795), silk on linen. Geometric and foliate borders enclosing two birds facing one another, surrounded by flowering urns and other floral motifs, above a traditional sampler poem reading: "This work perhaps my friends may have/ When I an in my silent grave/ And which when ere they chance to see/ May kind remembrance picture me/ While on the glowing canvas stands/ The labour of my youthful hands/ No other cares than this I knew/ But perseverence [sic] brought me through/ Sarah Roberts work performed in the 18th year of her age. Anno Domini 1813." The stitcher's signature is surrounded by lists of the names of her parents, brothers, and grandparents. Housed under glass in a modern, distressed black wood frame with canvas mat and gold reveal. Sight: 16 5/8" H x 17 1/4" W. Frame: 24 1/4" H x 24 7/8" W. Biographical note: Research indicates that the creator is Sarah (Roberts) Hoopes, wife of Curtis Hoopes, of West Goshen, PA. Sarah was the aunt of Charles Wilson Roberts, a captain in the Union army during the Civil War and later a prominent citizen of East Bradford and West Chester, PA. C. W. Roberts was also a trustee of Pennsylvania State College, Delaware State College, and the State Normal School at West Chester (now West Chester University).

PROVENANCE: Private Illinois Collection.

CONDITION: Condition is commensurate with age but overall good with fading of thread color. Two holes appear in the lower right section dedicated to information concerning the maker's grandparents, one to the left of the name "Eleanor" and one beneath the name "Roberts." The latter is largest and measures 1/8" x 1/8". A third, smaller hole appears to the left of the word "Domini," lower center. A fourth, pin-sized hole is visible in the left border, center. Some thread appears to be missing from the names of her brothers, lower right.