Fables of Fontaine
ca. 1810
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Elinor Merrell
Accession Number
1995-50-166
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Fables of Fontaine** ca. 1810 artist Printed, dyed & painted Smithsonian American Art, Bequest of Elinorrell Step into the enchanting world of *Fables of Fontaine*, a captivating textile artwork from around 1810, now treasured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This piece draws inspiration from the timeless moral tales of Jean de La, the 17th-century French fabulist whose animal-filled stories captivated audiences across Europe and America. Created during the early 19th century—a time when printed textiles adorned American homes as both functional decor and storytelling medi...
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...