SCARCE AND IMPORTANT PENNSYLVANIA NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER.

American (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) early-19th Century. Silk, isinglass, and watercolor on linen. A fine sampler exhibiting several techniques including a stumpwork variant, petit point, watercolor highlights, inset isinglass, and complex composition with a fox and building (possibly a school) with willow tree at the bottom, alphabet and numbers across the top and above the poem: "Ye sprightly fair whose gentle minds incline, to all thats curious innocent and fine, with admiration in your works are read, the various texture of the twining thread, then let those fingers whose unrivaled skill, exalt the needle grace the noble quill", and a framed cartouche of leaves with a single flower underneath: “Performed by Mary Ann Smith In the 14th Year of her Age A.D. 1819.”. Surrounding all is a sawtooth border, further enclosed in bold and detailed vining tulips around the outer edge. Minor bleeding at watercolor, mild toning, and a few loose threads. Overall excellent condition. Professionally gilt framed. Frame, 25.5"h. 20.75"w. Sold at Garth's Auctions (Delaware, Ohio). Ex David Good (Ohio). From The 40 Year Americana Collection of a Central Ohio Couple.