Handkerchief
18th century
Medium
Linen, plain weave; embroidered in cotton and linen yarns; pulled threadwork in interlocking lace, overcast, herringbone, and single faggot stitches; cut and drawn work in buttonhole, Italian hem, open chain and twisted button hole stitches; with areas of padding and inserts of twist net; embroidered in back, buttonhole, detached overcast, double running, eyelet hole, flame, open chain, padded satin, Roumanian, running, satin, sheaf filling, and stem filling stitches; laid work; couching
Dimensions
62.5 × 60.7 cm (24 5/8 × 23 7/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
65057
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...