Shawl
19th century
Medium
Wool, eighteen strips of plain simple twill; embroidered
Dimensions
498.2 × 246.6 cm (100 × 49 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
92969
Art Historical Context
This magnificent 19th-century sh, measuring an impressive 498.2 × 246.6 cm (nearly 16 × 8 feet), exemplifies the artistry of anonymous textile makers whose skill rivaled that of renowned painters. Crafted from wool using eighteen strips of plain simpleill—a sturdy, diagonal weave prized for its durability and drape—the shawl's vast scale suggests it was designed for ceremonial use, wrapping large groups, or as a dramatic wall hanging in affluent homes. The embroidery adds layers of intricate beauty, transforming basic twill into a canvas for cultural expression. In the 19th century, such labo...
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...