Textile
18th century
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Josephine Howell
Accession Number
1973-51-37
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic 18th-century textile part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's, offers a glimpse into the vibrant of colonial-era fabric arts. Donated by Josephine Howell, it exemplifies the craftsmanship of an era when textiles were essential for clothing, home furnishings, and even storytelling through patterns. Though the artist remains unknown and research is ongoing, its presence in the American Art collection highlights how such pieces captured everyday life, trade influences, and emerging American identities amid European and global exchanges. Classified as a printed, dyed, and pain...
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...