Parlor Throw
c. 1890
Medium
Pieced, embroidered and painted “crazy” quilt; dyed and printed silk plain, satin, pile and patterned weave fabrics and ribbons; silk and metallic embroidery threads; paint
Dimensions
161.3 × 187.3 cm (63 1/2 × 73 3/4 in.)
Classification
needlework - quilt
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
239776
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
A collection of ribbons, assorted fabrics, and embroidered ornaments comprises the central field of this masterfully made parlor throw. In the late nineteenth century, decorative furnishings, such as throws and pillows, were assembled from a medley of bits and pieces, much like scrapbooks. Crazy-quilt style home accessories, made with varied in irregular shapes, pieced, and accented with embroidery, appliqué, and pianted scenes were widely popular (see also Crazy Quilt with Animals and John L. S...
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...