Untitled (Broken Stars)
Medium
Decorative Arts-Fiber
Classification
Decorative Arts-Fiber
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Corrine Riley and museum purchase through the Barbara Coffey Quilt Endowment and the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Accession Number
2016.5.14
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
**Untitled (Broken Stars)**, a striking fiber artwork from the 1940s by an unidentified American artist, captures the ingenuity of mid-20th-century decorative arts. Created during the World War II era, when resourcefulness defined daily life, this piece belongs to the rich tradition of American fiber works, likely a quilt or textile featuring the dynamic "Broken Stars" pattern—a bold geometric design evoking fragmented celestial motifs. Such patterns were popular in folk art, symbolizing resilience and creativity amid wartime challenges like material shortages. The medium's significance lies in its handmade techniques: piecing together fabric scraps into intricate blocks, then quilting layers for durability and warmth. This labor-intensive process highlights the anonymous maker's skill, preserving everyday stories in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Decorative Arts-Fiber collection. Acquired through generous gifts from Corrine Riley and endowments honoring quilt patrons, it underscores fiber arts' elevation from utilitarian craft to cultural treasure. Visitors will appreciate how *Untitled (Broken Stars)* reflects America's democratic artistry—accessible, enduring, and full of hidden narratives waiting to be pieced together.
About the Artist
Unidentified (American) ( ) · 1851 –1899
1851–1899