Cushion Cover
19th century
Medium
Velvet, cut voided
Dimensions
110 × 56 cm (43 1/4 × 22 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
29809
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago's Textiles, where this stunning 19th-century *Cushion Cover* us into the world of luxurious domestic furnishings. Measuring an impressive 110 × cm (43 1/4 × 22 in.), this rectangular piece was crafted from velvet using the sophisticated "cut voided"—a method where the plush pile is selectively cut away to create intricate, openwork patterns against a contrasting ground fabric. This results in a tactile, visually striking surface that catches the light beautifully. The cut voided velvet technique, rooted in advanced weaving traditions, was prized in the...
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...