Fragments
late 18th century
Medium
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Josephine Howell
Accession Number
1973-51-110-a,b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Fragments** *Unknown artist, late 18th century* Printed, dyed & painted textiles Smithsonian American Art Museum Step into the world of late 18th-century American domestic life with *Fragments*, a captivating collection of printed, dyed, and painted textiles from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Dating to the era of the early American republic, these pieces likely originated as remnants of larger household goods—perhaps curtains, bed hangings, or quilt blocks—that brought color and pattern into everyday homes. Gifted by Josephine Howell, they offer a tangible link to a time when...
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...