Jane Rowan

This fine sampler, with a handsome and generous composition, is signed, “Jane Rowan her work done in the 8th year of her age 1818.” In that one is 7 years old when in one’s 8th year, Jane was remarkably young to have made a sampler with so many excellent motifs. There are strong regional characteristics that place this in Philadelphia – these specific two-handled flower pots, many of the Quaker motifs such as the lily-of-the-valley, pendulous tulip and various flower branches. The birds and butterflies add nicely to the sampler’s visual appeal. 

While specific identification of Jane has eluded us thus far, her mother may have been Jane Rowan who was recorded in the Philadelphia census  . 

Worked in silk on linen, the sampler is in excellent condition. It has been conservation mounted and is a burl wood frame.