The countries, surrounding islalnds and neighboring coastlines, are labelled and outlined in a different color. Border with a continuous slim stalk having naturalistic blossom and leaves openly spaced. Edged with pink silk ribbon. Mounted on tan linen. The ground is missing and broken in several areas.  Stitches: back, couching, running, satin, shaded satin, trellis.

Empress Maria Feodorovna (1759–1828), born Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg, was the second wife of the ill-fated Czar Paul I. It is perhaps the exquisite taste of this great patroness of decorative arts that encouraged production of verre églomisé in Russia. It became so widely popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that even cabinetmakers did not hesitate to incorporate it in Russian furniture. This medallion celebrates the empress's coronation on April 16, 1797.

The initials S.B. in the center of this elaborate collection of darning samples are most likely those of the instructor, as there are several surviving examples with the same initials. It’s possible that these initials belonged to a teacher at an orphan school in Amsterdam, and the other initials in decorative cartouches surrounding the center, and surmounted by crowns on the edges, are likely to be those of other teachers, and administrators or supporters of the institution.

1797, England

1797, England

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