Samplers from North Germany are characterised chiefly by several alphabets on them. The initials of the makers and family members may also appear. Marking linen served to identify the great quantities taken to the bleaching ground several times a year, but letters and motifs could also decorate linen and give it a personal character.

Most girls worked their samplers at private schools, needlework were next to religious education a main item of these schools.

Many motifs appear to have lost their original moralizing Christian significance over time, merely representing a personal choice or that of a mother or teacher. This applies to the Spies of Canaan, you see on this sampler. Somtimes a former religious motif might acquire a different symbolism in the way the grapes of the Spies came to stand for chastity. (See Gieneke Arnolli/Rosalie Sloof: Letter voor Letter, Zwolle 2004 Page 117-122)

The original sampler is housed in the Museum Estebruegge, many thanks to Gerd Matthes for sending us these photos and his kind support.

You can give an order here. I would forward your order to Dorothee Kandzi, and she will send you the kit or the chart you wanted.