Tulip Pattern Quilt 1935 - 1942

Fred Hassebrock created this Tulip Pattern Quilt, a textile work, sometime in the 20th century. The image presents a complex interplay of visual codes. Quilts like this were often made in the home. They reflect domestic life and became a means for women to express creativity and skill within the confines of the household. In rural communities, quilting bees provided social and economic support. But what is it that they are referencing through the Tulip motif? The choice of tulips, while seemingly innocuous, hints at deeper cultural associations. Perhaps it is a connection with spring, renewal, and the feminine sphere. Historical records, such as diaries and letters, combined with studies of textile traditions, provide insights into the lives and values of the women who crafted these quilts. Understanding this quilt requires acknowledging its location within a network of social relations and institutional forces. It's in these contexts that the significance of even the simplest of images truly comes to light.