A charming sampler from Amsterdam with a reclining stag in an arbour being the central point. The reclining stag appeared in Sibmachers's Newes Modelbuch in Kupffer gemacht in 1604. Two sets of initials are on the sampler, most likely of her parents, unfortunately she didn't include her own. The sampler is very well balanced and features wonderful birds which could be a parakeet which was imported into the Netherlands in the 17th century. There is a rabbit another common motif on Amsterdam samplers. It also has a spinning monkey and a lion in an enclosed fence. The colours have been matched to the back. This sampler is worked entirely in cross stitch. Worked on 40 ct (16 thr/cm) linen measures 16" x 14" (41cm x 56cm)Suitable for beginner stitchers. Stitch count: 324 x 283
