Panel (woven #6)
Late 18th century
Medium
Silk, plain weave self-patterned by complementary ground weft floats; two selvages present
Dimensions
108 × 53.2 cm (42 1/2 × 21 in.); Point repeat: H.: 54 cm (21 1/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
147908
Art Historical Context
This elegant silk panel, woven in the late 18th century, exemplifies the refined artistry of textile production during an era of opulent craftsmanship. Measuring 108 × 53.2 cm with intact selvages on both sides, it served as a versatile fragment, possibly from a larger garment, furnishing, or decorative hanging. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Textiles Department, this anonymous masterpiece invites visitors to appreciate the tactile beauty of silk—its subtle sheen and intricate patterning evoking the grandeur of Enlightenment-era interiors. The panel's self-patterned design is achiev...
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...