Christening Cover
c. 1758 or earlier
Medium
Silk, warp-float faced satin weave; quilted; edged with warp-faced plain weave woven tape and fringe with wrapped tassels; backed with silk, plain weave
Dimensions
112.3 × 98.8 cm (44 1/4 × 38 7/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
94554
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Christening Cover*, dating to around 1758 or earlier is a finely crafted textile from the Art of Chicago's Textiles collection. Measuring about 44 by 39 inches, it was likely used during baptism ceremonies to swaddle or adorn an infant, symbolizing purity, protection, and familial devotion in 18th-century Christian traditions. Such covers were cherished heirlooms, often passed down through generations, reflecting the era's blend of piety and domestic artistry. Crafted from luxurious silk in a warp-float faced satin weave, the cover boasts a lustrous sheen that catches the ligh...
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...