Sampler
Object number86.1.204 a,b
Artist
Isabella Brown McKnight
Date1830
Mediumsilk, canvas
Credit LineGIft of Mrs. William McKee Germain
DescriptionSampler with plain-weave canvas backing. Silk threads in shades of black, green, blue, brown, off-white and beige worked in cross, satin, tent and buttonhole stitches. There is a bell flower border (indicative of Pennsylvania) around a three tiered design. The top tier contains a two story "Academy", a farm house, male and female figures, a sky with a continuous band of angels. The second tier contains text in black thread. The third tier contains a building flanked by soldiers with lions, windmill, and houses.Dimensions21 x 19 in. (53.3 x 48.3 cm)SignedIsabella Brown Mcknight
InscriptionsThen to everlasting glory Let my soul triumphant rise/ Where the angels all adore thee. In the palace of the skies./ Let me join the heavenly choir. Who in harmony unite./ Glowing with seraphic fire. Round the throne of endless light.
Isabella Brown McKnight, Pittsburgh September 30th 1830
Historical NotesThis sampler was made by Isabella Brown McKnight and is dated September 30, 1830. She was the aunt of Dr. William McKee Germain's maternal grandmother. It was donated to the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania by Dr. William McKee Germain's wife on November 17, 1964. The two story building featured at the top left on the sampler is the school of Mrs. James Callan. The school is listed in the 1826 Pittsburgh Directory.
Related institution
Mrs. James Callan School
On View
Not on view
1918-1988
1945
J. Carvalho & Irmao
American Safety Table Company