Coverlet (Section) c. 1940

This section of a coverlet was made by Cornelius Christoffels sometime in the early to mid 20th century using watercolour and graphite on paper. Looking at this small section of a larger textile, I’m drawn to the way Christoffels translated the woven structure into these soft, almost watercolor-like marks. It feels like a study in rhythm and repetition. The colors, mostly muted reds and blues, create a visual texture that mimics the feel of woven threads. Notice how the graphite lines provide a framework, but the watercolor washes soften the edges, giving the piece a gentle, handmade quality. In the central square, the tighter concentration of marks creates a denser, richer visual field, anchoring the whole composition. It reminds me of the way Agnes Martin used grids, but with a folksy, more approachable vibe. You could say that Christoffels anticipated the work of artists like Al Loving, who experimented with the grid as a basis for radical colour. This piece is like a quiet conversation about structure, texture, and the simple beauty of everyday objects.