Chair Seat
18th century
Medium
Linen, plain weave; embroidered with wool yarns in tent, petit point and cross stitches
Dimensions
71.4 × 60.6 cm (28 1/8 × 23 7/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
29845
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Chair Seat* from the18th century showcases the refined artistry of anonymous needleworkers, transforming a functional piece of furniture upholstery into a canvas of intricate beauty. Crafted from a plain-weave linen ground (measuring 71.4 × 60.6 cm), it is richly embroidered with wool yarns using tent stitch, petit point, and stitches—techniques that allowed for precise, textured designs. Housed in the Art Institute Chicago's Textiles Department, this classified textile exemplifies the era's blend of utility and ornamentation. The embroidery methods highlight exceptional skill...
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...