Doily c. 20th century

This anonymous doily, held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, speaks volumes about gendered labor and domesticity. Handmade doilies were typically crafted by women, often passed down through generations, embodying skills and traditions within the domestic sphere. These intricate works offered a creative outlet but also reinforced expectations of women's roles within the home. The labor-intensive process highlights the time and effort women dedicated to creating beauty and order in their living spaces, often without recognition as "art." Consider the intersections of class and gender here. For some, creating doilies was a necessity born from economic constraints, while for others, it was a symbol of status and refinement. These delicate objects acted as silent witnesses to family life. In our contemporary moment, this doily invites reflection on the value—or lack thereof—assigned to traditionally feminine crafts and the ongoing dialogue surrounding art, labor, and identity.