Design for an Embroidered Woven Fabric
1825–1850
Medium
Drawing
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1909-13-54
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This delicate drawing, titled *Design for an Embroidered Woven Fabric*, dates to the mid-19th century (1825–1850) and captures the artistry of American textile design during a time of rapid industrialization and burgeoning domestic crafts. Created by an unknown artist, it served as a blueprint for combining embroidery with woven fabrics—a popular practice in households where women often designed and produced decorative textiles for clothing, furnishings, and quilts. The Smithsonian American Art Museum classifies it as a drawing, highlighting its role as a preparatory sketch that bridged fine a...
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...