Needlework arts were often taught to young schoolgirls in the 18th century and represented creative collaborations between a teacher and student. This beautiful sampler piece was made by Rebecca Carter and her sister Ann, who were born into an influential family in Providence, Rhode Island. Their father, John Carter, apprenticed with Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia before becoming editor of the Providence Gazette. Though he struggled financially through the war years, Carter sent Ann to school in Newport, where she began this sampler. It was completed in 1788 by Rebecca at the renowned Providence school operated by Mary Balch (1762–1831).⁠ ⁠ Rebecca Carter, 1778–1837, Sampler Rebecca Carter, Providence, Rhode Island, United States, C. 1788. Silk, metallic thread, and human hair on linen, 19 1/4 × 13 1/2". American Folk Art Museum. Gift of Ralph Esmerian, 2013.1.47. Photo by Sotheby’s.