Textile
ca. 1785–95
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of W. and J. Sloane
Accession Number
1943-43-29
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile* from around 1785–95, housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, exemplifies the artistry of late 18th-century printed, dyed, and painted fabrics. Created by an unknown artist, it reflects the era's burgeoning textile production in America, a time when households relied on these versatile materials for clothing, curtains, and upholstery. Donated by W. and J. Sloane, it entered the Smithsonian Collection as a testament to the decorative ingenuity of the early Federal period. The medium—printed, dyed, and painted textiles—highlights sophisticated techniques that blen...
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...