Florentine Picard - 1841 Reproduction Sampler
REPRODUCTION SAMPLER PATTERN, READY TO DOWNLOAD, BY Couleur Tourterelle

Here is a French early 19th century reproduction sampler from Couleur Tourterelle featuring a wonderful gothic cathedral in the center, a very rare motif.

It is however also exceptional because it appears to promote girls' education in the sciences. Indeed, above the idyllic garden is a surprising motto meaning "Good fortune flies away, science remains" (La fortune s'envole, la science reste). To insist on the importance of education for girls in this way is quite surprising for the time.

The sampler was crossed stitched in 1841 by Florentine Picard, a 10-year-old girl living in the village of Richebourg, to the West of Paris, not far from the cathedral of Chartres. The mystery remains as to the origin of the model. There is indeed a "twin" sampler with almost identical patterns worked by a young girl born the same year and living in the neighboring village. Who taught needlework to the two little girls? Did they stitch their samplers side by side? Who created this remarkable model?

The main part of the sampler related to Catholic church worship consists of 3 parts with:

- in the center a Gothic cathedral with 2 spires on either side of the nave. Many colors were used to detail the architecture and the stained glass windows.

- on the right a cross and the "instruments of the Passion" of Christ

- on the left an altar with a monstrance surrounded by candlesticks

The upper part of the embroidery is separate and depicts an enchanting garden, adorned with elegant flower vessels, shrubs and lovely birds including a peacock. The sampler also features charming topiary patterns, as well many birds and animals.

The original sampler (last photo) was worked on unevenweave linen fabric. It measures 20 ½ inch wide by 16 ½ inch high (52 x 42 cm). To achieve the same proportions, instructions are included with the chart for using on the Thieffry (Sajou) unevenweave linen.  

Threads used for the original sampler are silk thread. While colors are faded on the right side, they have kept their freshness on the wrong side, upon which the reproduction is based. Reproduction sampler is worked in Soie d'Alger (au Ver à Soie - AVAS). DMC substitutes are also listed.

Note: the pattern includes shifted cross stitches clearly identified on the chart

The cross stitch chart comes in Color only, givien the number of pages. A B&W chart can be provided upon request.
The chart file includes a one-page chart for Digital stitching.
 

A cross stitch pattern by Couleur Tourterelle.

>> see more Reproduction Sampler patterns by Couleur Tourterelle
 

Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
Florentine Picard - 1841 Reproduction Sampler

Chart size in stitches: 365 x 270 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: 40/36ct Thieffry (Sajou) unevenweave linen or 40 ct Zweigart linen (309)

Size: on Thieffry unevenweave, 18 x 14 ½ inch (46 x 36,5 cm).
>> View size in my choice of fabric (fabric calculator)
Stitches: cross stitch, shifted cross stitches
Chart: Color, includes overview for Digital stitching. B&W chart provided upon request
Threads: Soie d'Alger silk from Au Ver à soie (AVAS) or DMC
Number of colors: 16

Themes: French cathedral, girls' education, mid 19th century

>> see all Early 19th century Reproduction samplers (all designers)

>> see all patterns with Peacocks (all designers)

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