Coverlet
1820-40
Medium
Cotton and wool, composite point twill weave (star work, multiple shaft); two loom widths joined; with attached plain weave strip with weft fringe
Dimensions
259.1 × 197.5 cm (102 × 77 3/4 in.); Repeat: 27.6 × 24.8 cm (10 7/8 × 9 3/4 in.)
Classification
weaving - coverlet
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
223844
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The Art Institute's Department of Textiles has a distinguished, wide-ranging collection of 221 American coverlets, or bedcovers. A recent donation of six examples of the very rare star work type has strengthened the museum's holdings significantly, as this category was previously represented by only two pieces. This type of coverlet is named for the complex star and diamond pattern which is characteristic of and made possible by the multiple shafts or harnesses employed, sometimes as many as 24.
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...