Catherine Simmons

While the buildings portrayed on some samplers seem to be idealized versions of houses, Catherine Simmons was most likely creating an actual portrait of a manor house that she knew, replete with outstanding architectural details. The dome top cupola, stately pillars, and doorway with its second-floor window are all wonderfully specific. The blue fence and gate, emphasized below with the repeat of the deep pink color of the bricks that form the house, provide excellent dimensional perspective. 

The six-line verse which begins, “Religion’s solace soothes the troubled mind / And on this prop a sure support we find,” was worked with letter-perfect stitching. A rhythmic strawberry border frames the composition well.

The sampler was worked in silk on wool and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted into its fine, original black and gold painted frame.