Fragments
midâlate 18th century
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Josephine Howell
Accession Number
1973-51-29-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection *Fragments* invites visitors to ponder the delicate remnants of mid- to late-18th-century life. These enigmatic pieces, a generous gift from Josephine Howell, to the printed, dyed, and painted textiles classification—a testament to the era's vibrant fabric arts. Dating from the American colonial period, when households buzzed with handmade textiles for clothing, bedding, and home decor, *Fragments* captures a time of craftsmanship amid growing independence. Though the artist remains unknown and research is ongoing, the work highlight...
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...