Pillow Cover
16th century
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31251
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Textiles, this 16th pillow cover offers a glimpse into the intimate world of historical domestic life. Crafted during a time of Renaissance flourishing in Europe and vibrant textile traditions across Asia and the Islamic world, such covers transformed everyday bedding into objects of beauty and status. Though the artist remains unknown, these pieces were often the work of skilled, unnamed artisans—women in households or workshops—who elevated functional items through meticulous craftsmanship. Textiles like this pillow cover held profound cultural sign...
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...