Sheet with overall vine and criss-cross pattern 1775 - 1875

This is a textile sample with a vine and criss-cross pattern of unknown date, made by an anonymous artist. In its time, a piece like this would have been born from a complex web of economic and social factors. The textile industry has always been shaped by global trade. Designs and materials traveled across continents. These patterns often reflect the tastes of consumers and the labor practices involved in their production. The criss-cross pattern is a reminder of the industrial processes that would have been in use at the time of its production. The existence of this piece in the Met's collection speaks to the institutional practices of collecting and preserving such pieces. The art historian can look to sources like trade records and design archives to understand the full story of this modest sample. It’s a story of commerce, labor, and the cultural exchange that has always been a part of the textile industry.