Mezzaro (shawl or headcovering)
1800–1850
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, from the textile collection of Mrs. Abram Stevens Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-4-6
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of 19th-century fashion with this captivating *Mezzaro*, a shawl or headcovering dating from 1800–1850. Now part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Smithsonian Collection, this textile piece reflects the era's fascination with exotic, versatile accessories that could drape shoulders or adorn the head with graceful flair. Classified among printed, dyed, and painted textiles, the *mezzaro* showcases sophisticated techniques that brought bold colors and patterns to life on fabric. These labor-intensive methods—often involving block printing or resist dyeing—produced durable, vibrant designs popular in global trade, blending utility with artistry and making textiles a canvas for cultural exchange. Generously gifted by Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt from their mother Mrs. Abram Stevens Hewitt's renowned collection, this artifact underscores the Hewitt family's passion for preserving textile heritage. With research still in progress, it invites us to ponder its journey across continents and into American wardrobes, a testament to fashion's enduring storytelling power.
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...