The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of August 10, 2022

Darning Sampler

c. 1880

Willemijntje Elisabeth Wakker

(Dutch, b. 1875)

Netherlands, early 19th century

Silk on linen, embroidery

Overall: 47.3 x 47.3 cm (18 5/8 x 18 5/8 in.)

Gift of George W. Bierce 1943.110

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

On their samplers the orphans often embroidered the initials of relatives.

Description

Orphaned as a child, Willemijntje was sent to the Burgerweeshuis (Citizen's Orphanage) in Amsterdam along with her three sisters. While there, she embroidered her own name along the top edge.

Inscriptions

Inscription

initials symmetrically spaced around central design of a house. Top: "Willemyntje Elisabeth Wakker"; bottom: " Oud 14 jaar Anno 1800."

Provenance
-1943
George W. Bierce (1869-1962), Cleveland, OH, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art
1943-
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1943.110