This extraordinary band sampler was probably made in Saxony, in the area of Dresden. Its size, excellent color and condition, and the wonderful elements of design- some derived from the classic sixteenth century pattern books of Sibmacher and Schönsperger, others quite unprecedented such as the large church- make this a unique work of textile art.
Saxony band samplers were made from the late seventeenth through the late eighteenth century, with later examples becoming increasingly shorter, and including different motifs such as human figures. The date of circa 1710 for this sampler is a conservative, educated guess: it could be as early as 1690, but not any later than 1710.
Another Saxony band sampler exists incorporating similar flower vases and a nearly identical alphabet, and it is marked 1695. Above the church are elaborate corner ("pillow") patterns, often seen on seventeenth century samplers, but not as common on later works. The large vase with flowers, near the top, could have been derived from Rosina Helena Fürst's pattern book from the 1670's. The church is the most stunning and unusual motif on this sampler. As far as we know, it was not taken from any published pattern, but is likely the maker's original design, perhaps an existing Roman style church or chapel in her neighborhood, or one adapted from an engraving. Stitches used are cross and double running.
The palette contains 32 different colors.
