Maria Bowen 1848

Cross stitch pattern by Victorian Rose Needlearts. This sampler depicts the English love of birds, flowers, deer, bees & home surrounded by a deep honeysuckle border. Maria included many colorful birds on her sampler indicating her love of nature & beauty. Birds were prized for their joyful song & thought to be good omens. Flowers also add to the richness of the sampler & were symbolic of faith, innocence, kindness, & devotion, particularly of the fragrant honeysuckle & the rose. The stag that is top center is symbolic of solitude & purity. Bees were associated with diligence & industry, virtues greatly prized in the Victorian world. Maria's deep faith is echoed in the words of the verses that she chose for her sampler. Stitch count 230w x 292h. Stitched on #8026 Zweigart Newcastle Linen Antique White 40ct.