Pa. German Linen Towel c. 1937

This Pennsylvania German Linen Towel was made by Frances Lichten. The red stitching on the white fabric forms an array of symbols and motifs. I imagine Lichten deeply engaged in the process, her hands moving with focused intention, carefully counting threads, each stitch building upon the last. Perhaps she found a meditative quality in the repetition, a quiet space for reflection as she worked. The texture of the linen, the precise placement of each cross-stitch—they all speak to a deep connection with material and tradition. I see echoes of folk art, a visual language passed down through generations. These patterns, though simple, convey a sense of heritage and identity. The peacocks, trees, and hearts aren’t just decorative. They are the artist speaking to us through a shared vocabulary. Artists are always in dialogue across time. Lichten's towel is more than just a functional object. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art to communicate, preserve, and inspire.