A group of 17th century Dutch samplers

Doing sampler research can be quite frustrating and is often not rewarded by great findings or breakthroughs. In particular, the earlier in time you search for information, the more difficult it gets. But than again, you will not have to read about it either.

There has always been a 'pressing' matter in Dutch Samplerland.  Possibly one of the most intriguing group of samplers in the Netherlands have had always an unknown or not clear origin. Now it seems that the enigma has been unraveled.

It was about time to gather all (Dutch) courage needed and get prepared to be days in the Waterland archives in Purmerend. Hours and days of painstakingly research to come, reading the eligible 17th century hand writings on birth, marriage and death and worse, perhaps doing all the work without any result. Or at least, with the only conclusion that you were on the wrong path. Well, not much of this was the case. What happened?

All the girls worked their sampler in an un-Dutch manner : they stated a full name, date en age. Being optimistic with  this wealth of information and being cynical about the origin of the samplers, and to be honest, walked on several wrong path before, this time strong result was needed...and that's what happened. It turned out that not Marken, as generally accepted, neither Edam or Monnickendam, but the small village of  Broek in Waterland is the source of this wonderful group of samplers!

These are the facts: There are 15 samplers known so far. A few others, maybe five might be from the same source. About half is kept in museums, the other half in private collections. The oldest sampler is dated 1640; the youngest 1689.; eight were made in 1670's.The youngest girls were nine years old, the oldest just eleven. All of them were born in Broek in Waterland, sometimes married and/or died in Broek.

Here are the girls:

1)  Trijntje Jans 1640

2)  Immetje Cornelisdochter 1652    

3)  Geertjen Cornelisdochter 1656

4)  Annetje Muusdochter 1663 (see picture in blog above)

5)  Aeltgen Maertesdochter, circa 1670 (see picture)

6)  Neeltje Jacobsdochter 1670

7)  Reimerich Dircksdochter 1673 (see picture in blog above)

8)  Aeltje Claasdochter 1673

9)  Claes Verlaansdochter 1674

10) Claesie Jansdochter 1674

11) Eechje Jacobsdochter 1678 (see picture)

12) Neeltje Mues Mars 1679

13) Lobbetje nanninghsdochter 1688

14) Aeltje Cornelis Corvers 1688

15) Grietje Albersdochter 1689

Distinctive patterns on all samplers is the tower/church, , the bands, pious text in gothic lettering and many others. All samplers are made with the finest silks on linen mostly in cross-, long-armed cross-, stem-and chain stitch. Average sizes 40 x 45 cm.

In a part II (and III ?) of this important group of 17th century samplers more details will be discussed. Satisfying research results should be shared, naturally. Don't you think so?

 

Eechje Jacobsdochter 1678, Broek in Waterland

 

Aeltgen Maertesdochter circa 1670, Broek in Waterland; a few samplers have only a tower, not the church. (Collecting Open Air Museum Arnhem)

 

Church and tower of Broek in Waterland. Flags were raised when we visited.

 

Next to the tower was the village school. Our girls did not go there. Probably they had a private teacher. Unfortunately, so far none of the samplers show any clue of a teacher.

 

Broek in Waterland is a rather picturesque village, just north of Amsterdam. In the 17th century, it was a very wealthy place. The swans are not on the samplers; they are still, however, in the fields around Broek. Lutherans used a swan as their symbol, as catholics used the cross and the reformed a rooster. At that time, Broek in Waterland was also called by way of a joke Lutherdam.

 

 

 

Comments

[Patience d'Ange]

Hello
Samplers are just absolutly beautifull.
Tanks a lot for shering whis us.
Sorry for my anglish, i'm better in stitching !:o))
Kiss from France