Ontwerp voor een tapijt c. 1854 - 1864

This carpet design was created by an anonymous artist, and rendered with paint on paper. Unlike the woven textile it represents, this work lacks the inherent qualities of texture and weight, but still conveys a sense of rich density. When a carpet is made, the techniques involved–knotting, weaving, dyeing–carry tremendous social and cultural significance. Passed down through generations, they represent a labor-intensive practice and a form of cultural expression. While this design is only a sketch, it suggests an elaborate process of production. It also evokes important questions. Would the carpet be made by hand, with all the attendant expertise, or would it be produced by machine, which raises questions about value, authenticity and the impact of industrialization? Paying attention to the materials and the implied making of this design allows us to reflect on the artistry of carpet-making, and the social context of its production. This challenges us to consider the value of craft in an industrialized world.