The Victorian age was a time of innovation and sweeping progress under the reign of England’s Queen Victoria (1837–1901). It was the time of the world’s second industrial revolution, political reform and rapid social change.
Samplers at this time became more ornamental and pictorial, moving away from traditional band and marking samplers. Decorative motifs such as deer, dogs, flowers with baskets, crowns, birds and hearts were framed and displayed as records of achievement. Nature in all its variety was celebrated as a manifestation of God’s abundance and gift to humankind, creating an overall appreciation for flowers in society in Victorian artwork which led to the field of floriography, also known as the study of the “language of flowers.” During a time when social conventions were restrictive, flowers allowed secret messages…
