Panel c. 1819

This Panel was made by an anonymous artist, and its precise origins are unknown. What we do know is that it is made of cotton, using a resist printing technique. This piece is all about the method of production. Resist printing involves applying a substance to the fabric to prevent dye from penetrating certain areas, creating a pattern. Here, it has allowed for a detailed monochromatic scene of classical figures, trees, and landscapes to be superimposed onto a grid. The cotton material lends the panel a soft, tactile quality. Consider the labor involved in growing, weaving, and printing the fabric. The textile industry relied heavily on factory workers who performed repetitive tasks, highlighting the connection between art, modes of production, and capitalist society. This labor-intensive process would have involved division of labor and standardization, shaping the panel's appearance and inherent cultural meaning. Paying attention to materials, making, and context reveals the interconnectedness of art, labor, and society, blurring the traditional boundaries between craft and fine art.