Needlework Cover
19th century
Medium
Embroidered on satin with silk
Dimensions
142.2 × 136 cm (56 × 53 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
88461
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Needlework Cover* the 19th century housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department, showcases the artistry of anonymous hands in a grand scale: measuring 142.2 × 136 cm (56 × 53 1/2 in.), it was likely designed as a luxurious bed coverlet or decorative throw. Crafted by embroidering intricate silk threads onto a smooth satin ground, the piece highlights the tactile elegance of textiles, where the satin's sheen amplifies the silk's vibrant luster and fine detail work. In the 19th century, needlework was a cornerstone of domestic culture, particularly among women of the midd...
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...