Lot 647
  • 647

Rare Needlwork Sampler, Sophia Meylin, Mary Reed's School, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Dated 1824

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description

  • silk on linen
  • Height 18 in. by width 22 1/4 in.
  • dated 1824
Worked in silk threads on a linen ground with ribbon border; signed Sophia Meylin a Daughter of John and Sophia Meylin was born May 29th 1810 and made this Sampler in the 15th year of her age in Mary Reed's school in the year of our Lord 1824.

Exhibited

American Needlwork Treasures: Samplers and Silk Embroideries from the Collection of Betty Ring at the Museum of American Folk Art (p. 47, fig. 79)

Condition

Some stain, lower right; darkened linen. Surrounded by blue/green silk ribbon; In waht appears to be the original frame painted yellow; with wood and backing.
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.

Catalogue Note

Sophia worked a similar sampler, also naming Mary Reed, in the same year (Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania). Her teacher was probably Mary Reed (c . 1762-1829) of Lancaster, who mentioned "Needlework of all kinds, and plain Sewing"  when advertising her school in Lancaster's Intelligencer & Weekly Advertiser of May 12, 1807. At present, all known samplers naming Mary Reed are dated 1824.

Sophia Meylin was born on May 29, 1810 and died on March 9, 1837, shortly after her marriage to Henry Stentz (1808-1879) on January 29, 1837.  She made an almost identical sampler in the same year. (Additional information provided by Carol and Stephen Huber).