This sampler of French origin, probably from the 19th century, is part of the personal collection of Meriem Chauvet of Couleur Tourterelle . A reproduction is now available in the form of a cross stitch chart.

The original sampler (see last photo) is stitched on rustic fabric and features religious motifs such as the heart of Jesus on the left and the cross on the right, as well as more fanciful and childlike motifs such as the pot of pansies or the little dog.

What “J8” means remains a mystery. The letter J is missing in the alphabet (and was missing from alphabet models of the time). Did she add it as an afterthought? And does the digit 8 indicate she was 8 years old at the time?

Marie could have been quite young. She made a couple of mistakes in the letters and digits, as well as in the border and ran out of space at times, spacing letters irregularly. 

Original Sampler worked in cross stitch, over 2 fabric threads. Size 10.4' x 7.6'. 

Reproduction Sampler stitched using Soie d’Alger silk from Au Ver à Soie, with cross stitches worked over 2 fabric threads on 40ct linen. Size 5.3 x 3.8 inch.

Stitch Count: 106W x 76H