Fine Early Antique Sampler by Elizabeth Dern 1799

A fine alphabet sampler worked by Elizabeth Dern in silk at the age of 12 in 1799. The work is designed in four bands, with alphabet worked in white silk stitches at the top, the verse framed by two winged trumpeting angels. The central band depicts Jesus nailed to the cross flanked by the two thieves Dismas and Gestas in long coloured robes, 'Nail'd to the shameful tree, to bleed and die for thee'. The third band depicts a running hare and stag, peacock and dog amongst three decorative trees, two are flowering, various coloured birds, showing day to the left side and night to the right. The lower band reveals flowering plants and baskets of flowers followed by the signature Eliabeth Dern and verse below, within a stitched zig zag frame and floral border. The work appears to be in its original frame which is in good order overall with only some minor losses to the inner gilt moulding. The upper verse reads “If you desire to worship God aright, First in the morning pray and last at night, Craven for his blessing on your labours all, And in distress for his assistance call. “ The lower band reading Elizabeth Dern completed this work in the 12th year of her age 1799 Extremely fine work throughout the piece and the fabric in really good condition overall with only one very small hole to the far right at the very edge centre as seen in photo 4 to the right of the cross.