Skip to main content
Baltimore Building Sampler
Public Domain

Elizabeth Blyden

Baltimore Building Sampler

1828

Scroll

Elizabeth Blyden

Baltimore Building Sampler

1828

Physical Qualities Linen ground, silk embroidery threads, 21 1/2 x 25 in. (54.6 x 63.5 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Brian Topping in Memory of Elizabeth Hemphill Topping
Object Number 2015.62
Large slightly rectangular sampler with linen ground embroidered in silk threads depicting a large two-story, five bay buiding (possibly a church) with two towers with golden spires and a small pediment. The building is flanked by two weeping willow trees spreading over urn-topped monuments, one on each side dedicated to Adam and Sarah Mewer respectively. A white fence with black finials and black front gate lead to steps and a paneled front door. Over the door is a small pediment surmounted by what may be a cross. Small plants are placed evenly cross are the front lawn. Birds fly overhead. A floral border surrounds all four sides. The embroidery is worked in long-armed cross stitches and cross stitches in silk threads of dark and light green, blue, white, black, yellow, and coral/pink. The sampler is mounted in a dark brown/black wooden frame with fluted members and corner blocks ornamented with concentric circles.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2015; Brian Topping, Baltimore, by purchase, 2013; Sotheby's, NY; Mary Jaene Edmonds, by purchase, 1977; American Hurrah Antiques, NY
Anita Jones, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Lessons Learned: American Schoolgirl Embroideries," November 23, 2014-May 10, 2015.

Edward Maeder and Mary Jaene Edmonds, "Samplers and Samplermakers: An American Schoolgirl Art 1700-1850," Los Angeles County Museum of Art, November 7, 1991 - February 2, 1992.
Mary Jane Edmonds, Samplers and Sampler Makers: An American Schoolgirl Art 1700-1850, New York: Rizzoli and Los Angeles County Museum of Art, pp. 136-137, illust. fig. 65.

Inscribed: Inscription: Embroidered in black threads on monuments: "AM/Sacred to/Adam Mewer" and "SM/Sacred to Sarah Mewer" Embroidered at bottom: "Elizabeth Blyden’s work done in the 12th year of her age. August 13th 1829. E. Baltimore”

Maker

Elizabeth Blyden

American, born 1818, died between 1860-1870
Meet Elizabeth Blyden

Explore the Collection Further

Margaret Lowd
Band Sampler with Alphabets and Buildings
1821
Rebecca Jane Fite
Building Sampler
1839
Sara VanDerBeek
Baltimore Dancers Ten
2011
Sara VanDerBeek
Baltimore Dancers Nine
2011
Sara VanDerBeek
Baltimore Dancers Three
2011
LaToya Ruby Frazier
More Than Conquerors: A Monument for Community Health Workers of Baltimore, Maryland 2021-2022
2021
Unknown
Dechado (sampler)
1784
Theodore Russell Davis and Haviland & Co.
"Baltimore Oriole, and Virginia Creeper" Dessert or Fruit Plate
1878
Roland L. Freeman
Arabing, South Baltimore
1969