Bedspread (Details) c. 1936

This vibrant watercolor showcasing details of a bedspread was painted by Mary Berner, likely during her time teaching art in schools. Berner’s chosen medium here is watercolor paint, not unlike other artists' use of oil paint; however, her choice of subject matter places this artwork in a distinctive context. These depictions of floral arrangements, cascading foliage, and decorative textiles point to the significance of domestic craft in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among women. The level of detail captured in these images shows great labor. Berner’s decision to focus on elements traditionally associated with women’s work, like textile arts, invites us to reconsider the hierarchies between fine art and craft. These were often considered separate, with craft often deemed less important, but Berner’s artwork challenges this distinction.