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Original 19th century cabinet card photograph depicting a decorative sampler with central verse, surrounded by birds, floral elements, and ornamental motifs. Studio imprint Noe & Lee, Virginia City, Nevada.
The sampler reads:
“Why do the proud insult the poor
And boast the large estates they have
How vain are riches to secure
Their haughty owners from the grave
They cannot redeem one hour from death
With all their wealth in which they trust
Nor give a dying brother breath
When God commands him to the dust
There the dark earth and dismal shade
Shall clasp the naked bodies round
That flesh so delicately fed
Lies cold and moulders in the ground”
Signed within the design:
“Mary Blaney Ufton Devon May 18th 1816”
Albumen print on mount. Circa 1870s–1880s.
Condition: edge wear and corner rounding, mount toning, and scattered spotting. Some surface wear visible, including light marks and handling wear. Verso shows toning and minor staining. Light create in bottom right quadrant.
Unusual and visually striking Nevada studio image documenting an early 19th century sampler.
