Square
1876
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1961-120-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Square (1876) Welcome to *Square*, a captivating piece from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, created in 1876 by an unknown artist. This enigmatic work, classified as printed, dyed, and painted textiles, invites visitors to ponder its origins during America's post-Civil War era—a time of rapid industrialization and cultural reflection, marked by the nation's Centennial Exposition celebrating 100 years of independence. The medium itself is a highlight: combining printing for bold patterns, dyeing for rich colors (often using resist techniques to create intricate designs), ...
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...