Coverlet by Mae A. Clarke

Coverlet

1935 - 1942

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Artwork details

Medium
drawing, fibre-art, weaving, textile
Dimensions
overall: 54.3 x 46.7 cm (21 3/8 x 18 3/8 in.) Original IAD Object: 90" wide; 97 1/2" long
Copyright
National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0

Tags

#pattern heavy#drawing#fibre-art#pattern#weaving#textile#textile design#decorative-art#imprinted textile

About this artwork

Mae A. Clarke made this coverlet, of undated origin, with thread and textile. The piece embodies the convergence of artistic expression and social history. We see a handcrafted object, likely created within a domestic setting. How can we consider this coverlet as a response to its time? What historical forces shaped its creation? The United States, during Clarke’s lifetime, saw rapid industrialization, immigration and urbanization, but also the Arts and Crafts movement, a reaction to industrial production. This movement celebrated handcrafted objects and placed value on individual artistry, and can be seen in the coverlet, which is in sharp contrast to mass-produced goods. This piece can be read as a statement about the value of handmade goods in an increasingly industrialized society. The floral imagery is a common motif in domestic crafts, but it also speaks to a broader cultural interest in nature. To fully understand this coverlet, we might delve into archives, historical records, and studies of decorative arts. By doing so, we can gain a deeper insight into the coverlet's significance and the world in which it was made.

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