Flower Bouquet Pattern Darning Sampler

Extraordinarily fine needlework forms this very beautiful picture of a floral bouquet tied at the bottom with a bowknot ribbon. The technique is almost exclusively pattern darning which was greatly favored by needleworkers in Norfolk, England. There is much to admire in the artistic composition as well as the very precise rendering of specific flower blossoms, buds and leaves, with details such as flower stamens and thorny stems. 

The photo taken of the back of the sampler prior to conservation mounting is a wonderful indication of the technical skill of this needleworker.

The sampler was worked in silk on linen and is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is in its fine original carved and black painted frame. 
 

photo of reverse