One of two Dutch darning samplers just in, arrived straight from Holland. Of course I'm forever on the hunt for exquisite 18th and early 19th century Dutch darning samplers, but those are very few and far between (and usually exorbitantly expensive). In the meantime, I'll always say yes to a nice younger one, this c. 1900, red and blue and white thread on white cotton cloth. I love the neat gridded organization (so Dutch!) and the progression of the crosses, from from solid red, to blue and red, to striped. And then the solid white ones almost like shadows. With a two by two alphabet above paired with numbers, which adds to the sort of crisp staccato feel of the whole thing. (As if this were a composition in multiple senses, to be added up and played like music, too!) And the series of needlepoint borders show off more of its maker’s skills.

14 7/16" x 13 1/2" and in very good condition, bright and crisp.