AR 1879

Cross stitch chart from Queenstown Sampler Designs. AR 1879 was embroidered in Europe, most likely in a Catholic convent school in Italy. The church motif is found on numerous Italian samplers. Red samplers are joyful. The distinctive striped tiger caught my attention at first. Dogs, birds, and a smaller cat reside on the sampler. The Chris-cross begins each alphabet row. The Arma Christi, or Instruments of the Passion are portrayed including Veronica’s Veil. A charming checkered cartouche surrounds the maker’s initials and date. There are a multitude of similar samplers in Italian museum collections, along with museums in Belgium, Spain and the United States of America. Stitch count 227 high x 757 wide.