Band (from Woman's Trousers or Robe)
1875/1900
Dimensions
a: 13.2 × 49.2 cm (5 1/4 × 19 3/8 in.); b: 13.7 × 49.8 cm (5 3/8 × 19 5/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
156187
Art Historical Context
This exquisite textile band, originating from a woman's trousers or robe, dates to the late 19th or early 20th centurycirca 1875–1900). Comprising two fragments—piece *a* measuring 13.2 × 49.2 cm and piece *b* at 13.7 × 49.8 cm—it exemplifies the artistry of garment embellishments from that era. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department, such bands were integral to clothing design, often serving both functional and decorative purposes by reinforcing seams or adding ornamental flair. Though the artist and exact medium remain unknown, the piece highlights the sophisticated textile tra...
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...