Chester County, Pennsylvania silk on linen needlework sampler, inscribed "Elizabeth H. Beale work 1832, Parents William + Elizabeth Beale, Mary Morris Rutherford teacher", worked in a variety of stitches in shades of green, gold, yellow, blue, white, and tan, with central verse surrounded by flowering vine with birds surrounded by elaborate flowers and vines, over a landscape with willow tree, animals, snake, and fruit trees, 24 1/2" x 22". For similar examples, see Joan Stephens collection, Sothebys, January 1997, Lot 2098 and A Gallery of American Samplers, fig. 78, and Girlhood Embroidery by Ring, fig. 442 and 443. Very small loss to stitching in oval center. Some fading to letters. Some darkening. Overall excellent condition.