Wild Goose Chase Quilt 1851

"Wild Goose Chase Quilt" (1851), created by Susan Reed Ruddick (1839-1869), is a stunning example of American quiltmaking. This large quilt, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a central grid of 25 individual squares with "wild goose chase" blocks in various fabric patterns and colors. Surrounding the grid is a decorative border of green ribbons, creating a visually arresting frame. The quilt is signed and dated by the artist, demonstrating the important role women played in the art of quilting during the 19th century.