Bidspirit auction | 1868 Victorian Needlework Sampler by

1868 Victorian Needlework Sampler by Jane Tomlin, Belfast, NY - A mid-Victorian needlework sampler worked in cross-stitch on a coarse linen ground by Jane Tomlin of Belfast, dated October 17, 1868. The composition features multiple rows of alphabets in uppercase and lowercase styles using red, green, blue, white, and yellow threads, followed by a numerical sequence from one to zero. A horizontal geometric border separates the educational upper section from a six-line religious verse taken from Ecclesiastes 12:1. The text is worked in alternating colors and reads: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them. The lower portion identifies the maker in green thread as Jane Tomlin, Belfast, with the date 17 October 1868 worked in light gray thread below. The piece is housed in a simple dark wood frame. Width: 13.5 inches Height: 18 inches. The sampler exhibits overall toning and darkening of the linen ground consistent with age. Significant fading is present in the lighter-colored threads, particularly the cream and yellow sections of the text, making some words difficult to read. A visible vertical damp stain or watermark is located on the left-hand side through the center. The embroidery remains structurally sound with no significant loss of stitches. The frame shows minor surface wear, dust accumulation, and light scuffing.