Crib Quilt
1875/1900
Dimensions
80.8 × 84.4 cm (31 7/8 × 33 1/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
71733
Art Historical Context
This charming *Crib Quilt*, dating from between 1875 and 1900, offers a glimpse into late 19th-century domestic. Measuring a cozy 80.8 × 84.4 cm (31 7/8 × 33 1/4 in.), its compact size was perfectly suited for an infant's crib, reflecting the practical needs of American families during the Victorian era. Created by an unknown maker—likely a skilled woman in a rural or urban household—this textile embodies the era's blend of utility and creativity, when quilting served as both a necessity and a form of personal expression. Quilts like this one were cornerstones of folk art traditions in the Un...
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...