Quilted Coverlet c. 1938

This 'Quilted Coverlet' was made by A. Zimet, who lived from 1855 to 1995; it is an object of incredible dedication and gentle, rhythmic process. The repeated motifs speak of care and attention, the meditative act of making. The texture! Look at how the light catches the subtle variations across the surface. It’s all built from tiny stitches. Each square is a world of its own, filled with botanical forms. See how the density of the quilting creates these patterns, how some parts are raised, and others recede. The whole thing seems to be pushing the boundaries of a single color, a pale grey or cream; Zimet coaxes endless variations out of such a simple palette! You know, artists like Agnes Martin come to mind, with their commitment to subtle shifts in tone. This coverlet reminds us that art is everywhere, in everything, and that the simplest materials can be transformed through dedication.