Bedspread (Detail) c. 1938

Mildred Bent created this detail of a bedspread, working with thread on fabric. The composition presents an organic, asymmetrical arrangement dominated by floral and stem motifs, all embroidered against a muted backdrop. The texture of the fabric and the raised stitching create a tactile experience. The flowing lines of the stems and the soft color palette invite contemplation. Bent's approach challenges traditional notions of domestic craft by elevating needlework to an art form. The visual structure suggests a deeper engagement with the themes of growth and transformation. Consider how Bent uses the semiotics of floral design—traditionally associated with femininity and domesticity—to engage with broader themes of life and change. The very act of stitching, repetitive and meticulous, underscores the importance of process and the value of labor-intensive practices in a rapidly industrializing world. The bedspread, therefore, functions as both a functional object and a profound statement about artistic and cultural values.