Lord, what is life? 'tis but a flower, / That blossoms, and is gone: / We see it flourish for an hour, With all its beauty on: . But death comes, like a wintry day / And cuts the pretty flower away. / / Wrought by Sophronia Barrett aged 12 years Mason 1820

Maker

Barrett, Sophronia (age 12)

Date made

1820

Origin

Mason, NH US

Stitches

Cross, Satin,

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Linen

Predominent Motif

4 alphabets. Numbers 1-14. Various cross bands. Two large baskets of flowers at the bottom. All done in a bordered rectangle. Sampler has inner border of flowered vine across the top and down both sides with an outer saw tooth border on all sides.

Inscription

Lord, what is life? 'tis but a flower, / That blossoms, and is gone: / We see it flourish for an hour, With all its beauty on: . But death comes, like a wintry day / And cuts the pretty flower away. / / Wrought by Sophronia Barrett aged 12 years Mason 1820

Length With Frame

22"

Wdith With Frame

21"

Historical Owner

#1961.548 Bequeathed by Rose Standish Nichols

Owner

Nichols House Museum, Boston, MA

Owner Private

Nichols House Museum