c1820 horizontal North German sampler with a hunter & lioness motif

Circa 1820 Northern German “spot” or motif sampler featuring an unusual horizontal layout and a a scene of a hunter and his dog running toward a golden lioness. Other motifs are mostly flower baskets and foliate borders with a small ship, a stag and a vining cartouche bearing the initials GS. The silk threads are the typical Biedermaier muted tones of golds and greens. No thread or stitch loss, no holes or worn spots to the ground fabric. Overall condition is very good with flaws described in more detail below. This embroidery is almost modern in appearance, since the fabric is exceptionally light and bright, a pale cream color instead of a more common aged tan which makes the color of silk stitches appear brighter as well.

The overall frame size measures 13″ by 30″ with the sight area of the sampler 7-1/2″ by 25″. There is damp damage to the right quarter of the sampler resulting in a brownish discoloration to the fabric and mottling on the matting; however, it is ready to hang and enjoy as is. There is a faintly visible vertical crease near the center which is slightly discolored and slight sagging of the fabric ear the bottom. Some stitching appears to have been covered by the matting. The gilt edges of the heavy frame show age related wear and chipping but the heavy frame is attractive and structurally sound.