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Lot Essay
This sampler relates closely to two examples worked at approximately the same time: one worked by Mary Geyer in 1796 (illustrated in The Magazine Antiques (December 1989), p. 1342) and one worked by Mary Hofecer in 1798 (sold Sotheby's New York, February 1, 1985, lot 352). These three are part of a larger body of needleworks, all worked by young Philadelphia-schooled girls and all showing a similar stylistic theme: samplers with mansions and terraced gardens, figures with plumed hats and small animals along the foreground.
Catherine Lapp's sampler includes motifs similar to a needlework worked by Ann Heyl (see Betty Ring, Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework 1650-1850 (New York, 1993), vol. II, p 362). Ann's needlework is the earliest example of needlework attributed to Mary Zeller's school and the similarities between the works of the two girls may suggest that Catherine received some instruction from Ms. Zeller as well.
Catherine Lapp was born September 24, 1783, the daughter of Michael and Margareta Lapp. Her father was a baker at 82 South Fourth Street and Catherine was baptized at St. Michael's and Zion Lutheran Church.
Catherine Lapp's sampler includes motifs similar to a needlework worked by Ann Heyl (see Betty Ring, Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework 1650-1850 (New York, 1993), vol. II, p 362). Ann's needlework is the earliest example of needlework attributed to Mary Zeller's school and the similarities between the works of the two girls may suggest that Catherine received some instruction from Ms. Zeller as well.
Catherine Lapp was born September 24, 1783, the daughter of Michael and Margareta Lapp. Her father was a baker at 82 South Fourth Street and Catherine was baptized at St. Michael's and Zion Lutheran Church.