Chintz Square c. 1938

This is 'Chintz Square' by Howard Lumbard, likely made in the late 19th or early 20th century, using watercolor over graphite on paper. The artwork emulates chintz, a type of glazed cotton textile originating in India and highly popular in Europe and America. Note the detailed rendering of floral patterns and the central motif of a figure on horseback, typical of chintz designs. Lumbard meticulously recreates the look of fabric through delicate brushwork, mimicking the texture and sheen of glazed cotton. Chintz was significant because it was the first truly global commodity, and the production of chintz involved complex networks of trade, labor, and colonial power. By choosing to represent this particular textile, Lumbard engages with broader social and economic histories. The intense labor involved in textile production is indirectly referenced, inviting us to reflect on the connection between material culture, artistic representation, and the realities of global commerce. This piece blurs the line between art and craft while prompting us to consider the social narratives woven into everyday objects.