Bedcover
1780â90
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of W. and J. Sloane
Accession Number
1943-43-51
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant bedcover, dating from 1780–90, hails from the early years of the American republic and is a fine example of printed, dyed, and painted in the Smithsonian American Art's collection. Donated by W. and J. Sloane, it reflects the artistry of anonymous makers who transformed everyday fabrics into functional yet beautiful household treasures. Though research on this piece is ongoing, its survival offers a window into late 18th-century domestic life. Crafted during a time of post-Revolutionary innovation and cultural blending, such bedcovers were essential for warmth and decoration in A...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...