Sampler (Kierkegaard’s Handkerchief). 1998. Hand embroidery, lace handkerchief and specimen pins on linen. 12.5 x 22.5 in. (31.8 x 57.2 cm)

Is it sinful of me, instead of looking
at the priest, to fix my eye on the
beautiful embroidered handkerchief
you hold in your hand? Is it sinful of
you to hold it in just that way?—It
has a name in the corner. . . . It is so
seductive to learn a woman’s name
in such an accidental way.

      —Søren Kierkegaard,

The Seducer’s Diary, Either/Or, 1843