Towel or Napkin
19th century
Medium
Towel, embroidered with flower motifs.
Dimensions
126.4 × 50.6 cm (49 3/4 × 19 7/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
75125
Art Historical Context
This delicate 19th-century towel, or napkin, measuring 126.4 × 50.6 cm, the artistry of anonymous hands in the realm of domestic textiles. Embroidered with intricate flower motifs, its long, narrow form suggests practical use as a hand towel or table runner, blending utility with beauty in everyday life. Crafted during an era when embroidery was a cherished skill, often practiced by women at home, this piece highlights techniques like satin stitch or chain stitch, which brought floral patterns to life with vibrant threads. Flower motifs were symbolic staples in Victorian-era needlework, evoki...
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...