Elizabeth Lauder.
1793.

This very finely worked sampler with long religious texts, demonstrates the zealous teachings and influence that such men as Isaac Watts and John Wesley held. Daily bible readings were the norm in many homes, schools and work places and this sampler could be regarded as an extention of this practice.
Unusually for this date Elizabeth has continued the early 18th century tradition of picking out alternative words in green and red thread. The text has been taken from several sources including Psalm Five Verse Three, An Essay on Man by Alexander Pope, St John's Gospel Chapter 14 Verse Two and Proverbs Chapter Four Verse Fourteen.
Two blocks of topiary trees and strawberries give relief to the arduous task of faultlessly stitching the long text . Pairs of initials are those of family members, a practice commonly found on many Scottish samplers.
A note on the reverse states that Elizabeth Lauder was born in 1780 making her 13 years old when she worked her sampler. Records show her christening taking place on July 6th 1780 at St Madoes, Perth, Scotland and also her marriage to Dr Peter McClaren 20th November 1798 in the same small village.

Stitches: cross, eyelet and satin. Coloured silks on a fine linen ground.
Contained within a period ebonised frame.

Framed Size: 41 x 41 cm (16 x 16 ins.)