Untitled (Squares and Strips)

Art Historical Context

Untitled (Squares and Strips is a captivating example of American fiber art from the 1930s or 1940s, created by an unidentified artist and now housed in the Smithsonian American Museum. This untitled piece, classified under decorative arts-fiber, exemplifies the patchwork tradition where simple geometric shapes—squares and strips—are meticulously pieced together. Likely a quilt or textile wall hanging, it showcases the resourcefulness of its maker, transforming fabric scraps into a harmonious composition that speaks to everyday creativity. Crafted during the Great Depression and World War II era, the work reflects a time when American homemakers, often women, turned to quilting as both a practical necessity and artistic outlet. Piecing techniques allowed for economical use of materials, while the bold repetition of forms created visual rhythm and balance. Such anonymous folk arts highlight the democratizing power of craft, preserving cultural narratives without the spotlight of named artists. Acquired through the generosity of donor Corrine Riley and endowments supporting quilt preservation—like the Barbara Coffey Quilt Endowment—this piece joins the Smithsonian's rich collection of American decorative arts. It invites visitors to appreciate the quiet artistry of ordinary lives, reminding us how fiber works wove stories of resilience into the fabric of history.

About the Artist

Unidentified (American) ( ) · 1851 –1899

1851–1899