Textile
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
1973-51-50
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This late 18th-century textile part of the Smithsonian American Art's collection, exemplifies the of printed, dyed, and painted from early America. Created by an unknown maker, it reflects the skilled craftsmanship of the post-Revolutionary era, when homemade and imported textiles were essential for clothing, bedding, and home decoration. Donated by Josephine Howell, this piece is currently under research, inviting us to appreciate its mystery while scholars uncover more about its origins. The medium—combining printing, dyeing, and painting—highlights innovative techniques of the time. Artisa...
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...