Antique French Redwork Sampler by Josephine Violet, 1891 | Rose Border & Alphabet

A Radiant French Redwork Sampler, Stitched at Age Eight

In 1891, eight-year-old Josephine Violet sat down with needle and silk thread and created something extraordinary. This antique French sampler is a testament to the rigorous needlework education of late 19th century France — and to the remarkable talent of one very young girl from the heart of the Loire Valley.

The Maker: Josephine Violet 1891

Josephine was born on 24 September 1882 in Oulches, Indre, Centre-Val de Loire, France, the daughter of Etienne Violet and Louise Feignon. She stitched this sampler in 1891 at just eight years old — an age at which most children were still mastering their letters, not immortalising them in silk.

The Sampler

What makes this piece truly special is its combination of technical accomplishment and visual beauty:

• Multiple rows of alphabet lettering, including both print and cursive script a hallmark of school samplers
• A vibrant rose border, the defining feature of this piece, bold and beautifully executed
• Silk threads with exceptional color retention, as vivid and lustrous today as when Josephine first laid them down over 130 years ago
• Stunning overall composition, balanced, confident, and far beyond what one might expect from a child of eight

Details

• Dimensions: 15" × 17"
• Date: 1891
• Origin: Oulches, Indre, Centre-Val de Loire, France
• Technique: Redwork embroidery with silk thread
• Style: French school sampler with alphabet rows and floral border

A rare and joyful piece of French needlework history, full of color, life, and the pride of a little girl who stitched her very best.