Anon Sampler. Probably Scottish.
First Half 18th Century.

On looking at this sampler the eye is immediately drawn towards the centre where an amusing and naive figure of cupid, complete with rather over developed breasts catches the atttention. Otherwise the sampler is of standard band form contained within a geometric border of undulating flower heads.
Worked predominantly in shades of green and red coloured silks, the top section divides into two bands, one inscribed with The Lord's Prayer embroidered in alternating colours above a wide band of highly stylised carnation flower heads. The bottom half of the sampler also with a band of flower heads with twisted stems of the type frequently found on 17th century band samplers. This particular pattern continued to be used on Scottish samplers well into the 19th Century long after it had gone out of fashion in England.
Below is a short text:
Keep Thy heart and mind with all diligence for out of it are the iffues of Life

Coloured silks on a fine wool ground. Cross petit point and satin stitch. Contained in a period rosewood frame.

Framed Size: 42 x 34 cm (16 x 13 ins.)