C. 1900 Red and White Dutch Darning Sampler, Grid of Nine Darns Plus One

Of course I'm forever on the hunt for exquisite 18th and early 19th century Dutch darning samplers, but those are very few and far between (and usually exorbitantly expensive).In the meantime, I'll always say yes to a satisfying younger one, this one c. 1900, red and white thread on white cotton cloth. I love the square grid organization, making it feel all the more like a minimalist abstraction, with nine rectangles of darning aligned to the grid, looking like very deliberate, almost progressive/cululative studies of line and form and density of pattern. (And there is a barely visible tenth white on white tenth patch fit in between two others, like a stealthy shadow.) The point of a darning sampler like this one  was to practice (and show off one's ability) recreating a variety of different weaves so as to be able to effectively darn holes in a wide range of different fabrics.

9 5/8" x 9 3/4" and in good condition, with scattered light stains/toning spots and some toning to the white fabric along the center fold line. Reads bright and crisp.