Antique Sampler, 1845 by Mary Cuming Moalle. 'What is Life'

Victorian, dated 1845. 20.5ins by 12.75ins wide. 1845 Verse sampler by Mary Cuming Moalle. Framed in an old wood frame with gilt slip and glass.

Glued to card with a chipboard backing.

The sampler is worked in silk on linen ground, in a variety of stitches.

Meandering floral border.

Colours greens, blue, gold, white, black, pink and cream.

Verse entitled

'What is Life' reads

'Lord what is life Tis like a flower

That blossoms and is gone

We see it flourish for an hour

With all its beauty on

But Death comes like a wintry day

And cuts the pretty flower away

Lord what is life If spent with thee

In duty praise and prayer

However short or long it be

We need but little care

Because Eternity will last

When life and death itself are past'.

Signed and dated 'Mary Cuming Moalle May 10 1845'.

A good set of motifs, some finely embroidered, including potted flowering plants, flowers, trees, hearts, birds perched on branches and fruit trees.

CONDITION: Fair. A number of holes.

No stains other than slight uniform age darkening of the ground. No stitch losses. Colours are all good and strong with no noticeable fading. The silks bright and glossy. No colour run.

Stretching is slightly uneven.

Frame in very good condition, ready to hang.

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