Fragment (Towel End)
19th century
Medium
Linen; silk embroidery
Dimensions
18.2 × 49.5 cm (7 1/8 × 19 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
79178
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Fragment (Towel End)* from the 19th century offers a glimpse into everyday domestic artistry. Crafted from fine linen with intricate silk embroidery, this 18.2 × 49.5 cm piece likely served as the decorative border of a household towel. Its survival as a fragment underscores the fragility of textiles, preserving a tactile link to bygone routines. In the 19th century, embroidery like this was a widespread craft, often practiced by women at home to beautify functional linens. The use of lustrous silk threads on sturdy linen created vibrant contrasts, enhancing both durability and...
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...