Crib quilt c. late 19th century

This is a crib quilt of unknown date, made by an anonymous artist, and comprised of cotton. The quilt presents a visually striking grid. Each square contains a central geometric form, reminiscent of a pineapple. The pineapple motifs, rendered in dark, sharp, triangular shapes, offer a stark contrast to the lighter surrounding fabric and softer pastel colors, immediately capturing our attention. The use of repeated geometric forms and contrasting colors invites us to consider the structural elements and how they contribute to the quilt's overall effect. The quilt can be interpreted as a complex interplay between individual expression and collective tradition. Each block, while unique in its color combination, contributes to the overarching pattern, suggesting a tension between the singular and the multiple, the individual and the communal. The grid structure itself reflects a desire for order. But the slight imperfections, the variations in color, and the hand-stitched quality, soften the rigidity. It emphasizes the maker's touch. The handmade materiality destabilizes any sense of fixed meaning and adds layers of interpretation.