Darning Sampler
1801
Medium
Linen, plain weave; embroidered with silk in darning and cross stitches
Dimensions
48 × 45.3 cm (18 7/8 × 17 7/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
50620
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
In the early 19th century, schoolgirls in Northern Europe made darning samplers to learn the crucial skill of mending, practicing a range of embroidery and darning techniques that could extend the life of garments and household textiles. Although these repairs have a beauty all their own when made in contrasting thread, they were ultimately intended to be invisible. The use of two-colored threads allowed students to discern the underlying weave structure; students would gradually transition to u...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...