Framed Noah's Ark 'All Creatures Great and Small' Needlepoint Sampler

This item is a framed needlework sampler featuring a whimsical depiction of Noah's Ark. The central motif is a stylized red birdhouse-style ark containing various animals including giraffes, elephants, zebras, and birds. It is executed in a folk-art style common in the late 20th century (likely 1980s-1990s). The piece is worked on an aida cloth background with a border containing the religious/poetic text 'All creatures Great and Small... the Good Lord loves them all.' The embroidery utilizes a palette of muted primary colors including barn red, sage green, and earthy tan. The construction appears to be cross-stitching with some backstitched details for text and outlines. It is professionally matted with a dark forest green upper mat and a thin maroon inner mat, housed in a simple, flat-profile black composite or wood frame. A small white price or inventory tag is visible in the upper right corner of the glass. The fabric exhibits slight rippling, suggesting it may need re-tensioning. There is no visible maker's mark or signature on the front, which is typical for hobbyist-level needlework of this era. Overall condition appears good with no significant fading, though the frame shows some minor dust and superficial wear at the corners.

I have conducted a visual examination of the framed 'Noah’s Ark' needlepoint sampler. Based on the stylistic elements, particularly the naive folk-art aesthetic and choice of aida cloth, I conclude this piece is a hobbyist creation likely produced from a commercial kit during the 1980s or 1990s. The execution of the cross-stitching and backstitched text is consistent with mid-level home craftsmanship. The condition is generally good; however, visible rippling near the top indicates the textile was not expertly tensioned over an acid-free mounting board, which may lead to future creasing or fabric strain. The market for contemporary, non-antique needlework is currently saturated. Demand for these pieces is driven primarily by decorative appeal rather than investment or historical value. Comparable sales for framed samplers of this size and era typically fall within the $40 to $70 range at regional estate auctions and secondary marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. The professional double-matting adds some perceived value, though the simple black frame is standard and does not provide a significant premium. Limitation of Assessment: My valuation is based solely on digital images. Without an in-person inspection, I cannot confirm if the materials used are archival or if there is hidden acidity in the backing that might cause 'foxing' (brown spotting) over time. A physical examination would be required to verify the frame material (solid wood vs. composite) and to check for a signature or date under the matting. No scientific testing was performed; for full authentication of age and origin, provenance from the original maker would be necessary.