Shoulder Shawl c. 1938

Arthur G. Merkley’s “Shoulder Shawl” (c. 1938) is a small-scale, detailed drawing of a plaid pattern in brown, beige, and light blue. The artist’s meticulous hand is evident in the fine lines that compose the intricate design, which is a hallmark of textile and pattern design. Merkley (1855-1995) specialized in these types of designs, which may have been used as inspiration for actual textile production.