Design for a Woven Fabric
1825â1850
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1909-13-48
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This intriguing *Design for a Woven*, created between 1825 and1850, offers a glimpse into the creative world of early American textile design. As a drawing by an unknown artist, it served as a preparatory sketch for patterned cloth production, capturing motifs intended for looms during a time when textiles were central to daily life, fashion, and emerging industry. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, reflects the practical artistry of the era, where hand-drawn patterns bridged craftsmanship and mechanized weaving. The mid-19th century marked a pivotal shift in America,...
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...