Fragment (Towel or Napkin)
1875/1900
Medium
Towel ends, embroidered in gold in design of running floral spray
Dimensions
23.2 × 51.2 cm (9 1/8 × 20 1/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
71528
Art Historical Context
This delicate textile fragment, likely the embroidered ends of a towel or, dates to between 1875 and 1900 and exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of late 19th-century domestic linens. Measuring just 23.2 × 51.2 cm, it features a running floral spray design meticulously worked in shimmering gold thread. Such opulent embroidery transformed everyday items into luxurious objects, reserved for affluent households or special occasions. The use of gold embroidery highlights advanced needlework techniques, where fine metallic threads were couched or surface-applied to create a luminous, flowing p...
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...