18TH CENTURY CONTINENTAL DARNING NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER, silk on linen, center featuring "EVA" initials within a floral wreath above a date of "[17]65", encompassed by a darning stitched frame, surrounded by reserves of different darning stitching interspersed with flower motifs. Unframed, currently mounted to fabric on a mat. Possibly German or Dutch. Dated 1765. 16 3/4" x 15 3/4" object, 17" x 16" OA.
Catalogue Note: The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a darning sampler in its collection, object no. 36.90.1205, which features a flower motif that is similar to the two mirrored motifs in the lower right and left sides of this present sampler.
Provenance:
Deaccessioned by the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA to benefit collections care, preservation, and future acquisitions.
Very good overall condition with linen having some toning and stains, thread retains much of its color with some minor fugitive color, thread loss on "1" and "7" of date.



























