Fragment
late 18th century
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Josephine Howell
Accession Number
1973-51-128
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Fragment* from the late18th century offers a glimpse into early American textile artistry, crafted through intricate techniques of printing, dyeing and painting on fabric. As a survivor from this pivotal era—spanning the American Revolution and the young nation's early years—it exemplifies the resourcefulness of artisans who blended European influences with emerging local traditions. Such textiles were often used for clothing, furnishings, or quilts, transforming everyday materials into vibrant expressions of creativity and identity. The medium's significance lies in its labor-intensive processes: dyes derived from natural sources like plants and insects created enduring colors, while printing and hand-painting allowed for bold patterns and motifs. Though the artist remains unknown, this piece highlights the anonymous skilled hands behind America's domestic arts, a field dominated by women and families. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum as a gift from Josephine Howell, it awaits further research, promising new insights into 18th-century craftsmanship and cultural exchange. (178 words)
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...