Sarah Cassat's Needlework Sampler, Instructed by Ann Peers, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, first quarter 19th century, worked in silk and possibly wool threads on linen ground, in cross-stitch and eyelet stitch, the letters and numbers in alternating colors (now faded), with alphanumeric bands in various styles to upper register, divided into compartments by decorative borders, signed "Sarah Cassat's my name..." with family initials, then "This work I wrought before I seen twelve years / under the tuition of Mis Ann Peers," all within a twining floral border, framed under glass in modern gold frame.

22 1/2 x 21 3/4 in. framed dimensions

From the Estate of the late Patricia W. Capps, Winston Salem, North Carolina

Sarah Cassat was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, in 1807, the daughter of Jacob Cassat and Mary McConaughy Cassat. Jacob Cassat (1778-1838), was a multiple-term state senator in Pennsylvania. Jacob's older brother, Dennis Cassat, was the grandfather of American impressionist artist, Mary Cassatt (1844-1926).

Sarah lived to see her cousin Mary's artistic success, as she lived until 1909 and died at age 101 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Sarah and her sister Hannah Finley Cassat (HFC on the sampler) married brothers James and John Neely. Her other siblings were Elizabeth Armstrong Cassat and Margaret Cassat, who died as an infant in 1814, but who was still included as "MC" on this sampler made in 1818.

There is more research to be done on Ann Peers, Sarah's instructor, and the sampler has a decided Scottish influence, perhaps from Sarah's mother's McConaughy family roots.

Not examined out of frame; the likely once green and red threads have faded to pale pastel green and tan; discoloration to linen.