Harlequin and Columbine sampler
Name/Title
Harlequin and Columbine samplerEntry/Object ID
2023.5.1Description
Rectangular embroidered sampler depicting floral and animal motifs. This sampler features a depiction of Harlequin and Columbine, characters of the "Commedia dell'arte," an early form of theatre that originated in Italy in the 16th century and was popular in Europe till around the 18th century. Other notable motifs include a top-hatted man on horseback, a rooster, a caged bird and a woman with a water jug on her head. Other assorted motifs are hearts (linked or with arrows), birds, potted flowers, and baskets of fruit. The alphabet in Italian runs along the top and bottom of the sampler.Textile Type
Woven embroidered samplerContext
The tradition of samplermaking wasn't as prevalent in southern Europe as it was in northern Europe or the British Isles. Samplers from southern Europe tended to not be signed or dated.Category
Samplers