Textile
late 18th–early 19th century
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Harold M. Bailey
Accession Number
1960-79-6-a/d
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile* from the late th to early 19th century offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of American fabric arts during the early Republic era. Created using printed, dyed, and painted techniques, it reflects the ingenuity of anonymous artisans who blended European influences with emerging American craftsmanship. At a time when textile production was shifting from imported goods to domestic manufacturing—spurred by events like the Revolutionary War and the rise of calico printing mills—these methods allowed for bold colors, intricate patterns, and personalized designs on everyda...
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...