Fragments
ca. 1805
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Elinor Merrell
Accession Number
1995-50-47-a/d
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Fragments (ca. 1805) Step back to the early 19th century with *Fragments*, a captivating ensemble of printed, dyed, and painted textiles from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection. Created around 1805 by an unknown artist, these pieces—preserved through the generous bequest of Elinor Merrell—offer a glimpse into America's burgeoning textile traditions. The title evokes mystery, suggesting salvaged or incomplete swatches that once formed part of larger fabrics, perhaps for clothing, furnishings, or quilts. Textile arts like these were cornerstones of daily life in the young Uni...
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...