Pieced Sampler Quilt

Sampler quilts come in many forms, materials, and techniques, but all compile squares of different patterns or images as a “sample” of the artform. In this quilt, Adolph Schermer, whose work is also in the collection of the Jewish Museum, created and assembled thirty pieced designs into one composition. A tailor by profession, he showed off both his needlework skills as well as some of the more sumptuous fabrics he would have on hand for accessories such as ties and cravats. Schermer immigrated to New York from Austria-Hungary in the 1870s and lived on the Lower East Side. The block featuring an American flag within a Star of David is a poignant symbol of his religious heritage and patriotism.