The original sampler is cross stitched using wool thread on canvas. It measures 18 ½ x 17 inch (47cm x 43cm).
The layout is quite classical with two successive alphabets and digits. In the central part of the sampler are a series of motifs. Motifs include religious ones, including altars, a cross surrounded by instruments of The Passion (two red nails, a pincer, the ladder), there are however more decorative ones with flowers, birds and an amusing little dog standing on a table.
As is often the case with antique French samplers, Françoise, the young stitcher, practiced different series of borders on each side. You will notice that the top border caused her a number of problems and there are several irregularities in the frieze.
Both samplers are worked using wool thread, the reproduction sampler on 36ct linen, the original one (seen in last image) on canvas.
What makes this sampler really charming is its use of color. Françoise played with a palette of bright cheerful colors, switching colors for each letter of the alphabet, for each leaf of the left-hand border, and inserting stripes and checkers of color in numerous motifs.
Stitch Count: 254w x 218h
Linen: Edinburgh 36 Count, Colour: Light Mocha
Thread: Au ver a Soie d'Alger Silk Thread - 9 colours.
