Textile
1750â1800
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Elinor Merrell
Accession Number
1973-62-20
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Textile* from 1750–1800, housed in the Smithsonian American Art's Smithsonian Collection, exemplifies the vibrant world of 18th-century printed, dyed, and painted fabrics. Created during America's Colonial era, when textiles were essential for clothing, furnishings, and trade goods, this piece reflects the era's global exchanges. European colonists imported colorful Indian chintz and adapted printing techniques, blending artistry with everyday utility in a time before industrialized production. The medium—printed, dyed, and painted—highlights skilled handcrafting methods like ...
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...