Quilted Applique Coverlet
c. 1936
Medium
watercolor, graphite, pen and ink, and gouache on paper
Dimensions
overall: 35.9 x 26 cm (14 1/8 x 10 1/4 in.) Original IAD Object: 78" wide; 90" long
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.15066
Art Historical Context
Step into the rich tradition of American folk art with John R. Towers' *Quilted Appliquelet* (c. 1936), a meticulous rendering from the Index of American Design. Created watercolor, graphite, pen ink, and gouache on paper, this 14⅛ × 10¼-inch drawing captures the intricate details of original quilted appliqué coverlet measuring a generous 78 × 90 inches—perfect for a full bedspread. Towers' skilled hand brings to life the layered fabrics, precise stitching, and bold patterns typical of appliqué, where colorful motifs are cut and sewn onto a base cloth before quilting ties it all together. Thi...