A late 18th century example of a child's textile work in cross stitch, as indicated at the lower edge: 'May Odgen's Work, Aged 12, 1796', some holes and missing stitches, fabric toned with age. A colourful floral border surrounds the composition, featuring an array of different animals and plants, a moral verse and (presumably) a depiction of the girl's home, 48 x 51.5cm (frame), 40 x 45cm (image). Ex Antique & Fine Art Auctions, Woolloongabba. Intended as a way of developing and showcasing needlework skills among young girls and women of nearly all classes, the sampler was an important object in the 18th century for the outward performance of feminine identity and the industrious display of virtue.