William IV, dated 1836 Large 1836 Silkwork Sampler by Maria Druce. Framed in an old, possibly original, wood frame with gilt slip and rippled, old glass. Tacked to wood with card backing. The sampler is finely worked in silk on linen ground, in a variety of stitches. Triangle border inside a meandering floral border. Colours gold, blue, black, magenta, copper and greens. Verse entitled ''A CONTEMPLATION ON NIGHT.'' reads ''When the pure soul is from the body flown,> No more shall Night''s alternate reign be known;> The sun no more shall rolling light bestow,> But from the Almighty streams of glory flow.> Oh! May some nobler thought my soul employ,> Than empty, transient, sublunary joy.> The stars shall drop, the sun shall lose his flame,> But thou, O God: for ever shine the same.''. Signed and dated ''18 Maria Druce Aged 12 Years 36''. A wonderful set of finely embroidered motifs, including a house with a garden below clouds and dogs on the lawn, birds, angels, squirrels nibbling on a nut, fir trees, dogs, blossoming trees, lions, flowers, sheep, butterflies, fruit baskets and potted flowering plants. Generally Good. A number of holes, and a few areas where the ground is thinning. A few stains and uniform age darkening of the ground. Minor stitch loss to the triangle border. Some colours are faded, but the silks are still bright and glossy. No colour run. Stretching is very slightly uneven. Frame in good condition, ready to hang. 24.75ins by 22.25ins wide

Antique Textiles
Antique Samplers