Isabella Roberts 1848

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then Isabella Roberts’ sampler from 1848 tells quite a complex tale. The two Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are a charming part of this sampler. Their inclusion in the sampler would suggest they were much loved guardians and perhaps even included as symbols of protection. The scene, set in a glen or meadow, offers a sense of greeting or of coming together. Perhaps it is meant to be a simple encounter or maybe it is that of mutual admiration or young love between two smitten individuals? A connection between historical samplers with images of Solomon’s Temple may reflect shared ideals between Freemasonry and the larger culture of 19th century.  By including a nod to the love Isabella shared for her parents, a beautiful rendering of Solomon’s Temple, two peace doves, two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and the images of friendship between a boy with his dog and a girl her sampler tells an endearing tale. She had to have been a happy girl with a rich childhood. Special thanks to staff from the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library, Lexington, MA, USA for assistance in researching Solomon’s Temple and the connection to stitching.