Fragment
1000-1476
Medium
Plain brown cloth, compound border. Border put in with needle and darning stitch on plain brown cloth. Woven fringe
Dimensions
116.8 × 38.1 cm (46 × 15 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85201
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Textiles department of the Art Institute of Chicago, this intriguing *Fragment* (ca. 1000–1476) offers a glimpse into the world of medieval textile craftsmanship. Measuring 116.8 × 38.1 cm, it features a simple plain brown cloth foundation adorned with a compound border, meticulously applied using needle and darning stitch—a versatile technique typically associated with mending but here employed for decorative effect. The woven fringe adds a tactile, rhythmic finish, evoking the everyday artistry of an unnamed creator from a distant era. Dating to a broad span from the 11th to ...
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...