Coverlet

Art Historical Context

This striking coverlet, woven by Leonard Metz in 1842, stands as a fine example of American textile artistry from the mid-nineteenth century. Measuring over eight feet square, the large wool-and-cotton bed covering was created during a period when professionally woven coverlets were prized household possessions, often passed down through families. Its floral motifs, visible in the patterned design, reflect the era’s appreciation for nature-inspired decoration that brought color and warmth to modest homes. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, the piece highlights the skill of reg...