c1830 Marya Josefa Sanchez sampler with flamestitch & openwork

Marya Josefa Sanchez’s magnificent sampler dates from around 1830. It’s a very nice size (many Mexican samplers are huge) and both the workmanship and arrangement of patterns are exceptional. It’s definitely the work of an accomplished embroiderer and features Bargello or flame stitch patterns, filet, “Aztec” stitch (an openwork technique created with blocks of slanted satin stitches) plus beadwork in addition to cross stitches. The silk thread is very shiny filament floss.

The lettering reads LO HYZO MARYA JOSEFA SANCHEZ, which translates to “by the hand of (or the work of) Marya Josefa Sanchez.

The condition is also exceptional; there is little to no color loss to the silks, the stitches are are skillfully worked with no thread loss. The linen fabric is sturdy and supple, free of holes with neatly hemmed edges. There are areas of light stains and watermarks but they do not detract. At some point the sampler was glued to a backing board and there is some paper residue along the edges on the reverse, but there’s no apparent damage to the fabric and it does not show on the front. I think it could be easily removed by a conservator.

The sampler measures 14-1/4″  by 20-3/4” and could be displayed either vertically or horizontally. It is unframed and will be shipped rolled inside acid free paper. Shipping is included in the price and a signature will be required at delivery.