Rare Needlework Sampler, Hannah Carlile, Probably Mary Balch's School, Providence, Rhode Island, dated 1796

Worked in richly colored silk stitches on a linen ground; signed Hannah Carlile's Work, 1796.

Joyces Bowes, Summer, 1972

American Needlework Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 27, fig. 43);

Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee: Needlework in the Education of Rhode Island Women, 1730-1830 (p. 151, fig. 59)

Colors vibrant; name of Hannah Carlile is faded; in the original frame and glass with pine backboard.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The basket of fruit relates this sampler to both samplers and silk embroideries from Mary Balch's School, but no other Providence samplers with the same strawberry border have been found. Hannah Carlile (1783-1805) was born in Pawtucket, the daughter of Captain Thomas Carlile (c. 1755-1785) and Phebe Aborn (1761-1788). She was married in Providence to Dr. John Mathewson Eddy (1780-1817) on October 7, 1804.

Hannah's father married a second time to Mary Ann Dexter in 1814, he died in Cuba in 1817.  (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).