Tumbling Blocks quilt by Irene Nestell Hart

Tumbling Blocks quilt c. 1881 - 1916

textile, cotton

naturalistic pattern

textile

geometric pattern

abstract pattern

organic pattern

repetition of pattern

vertical pattern

united-states

pattern repetition

cotton

layered pattern

funky pattern

combined pattern

"Tumbling Blocks" quilt, created by Irene Nestell Hart, c. 1881 - 1916, is a striking example of American folk art and the "Tumbling Blocks" quilting pattern. This large-scale quilt (79 3/16 × 92 1/2 in. (201.14 × 234.95 cm)) is currently displayed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, a significant testament to the artist's skill and the enduring artistry of traditional quilting. The intricate pattern of seemingly three-dimensional blocks, constructed from various fabrics in vibrant colors, gives a sense of movement and depth to the composition.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This quilt is composed in the “Tumbling Blocks” pattern, one commonly used for American quilts in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries. Though it was probably used before, the earliest publication of the pattern in the US goes back to an 1851 edition of Godey’s Lady’s Book. The basic pattern elements are squares and diamond shapes; when these are arranged in highly contrasting colors a dramatic three dimensional “cube” effect results. The pattern is sometimes also called “Baby’s Blocks.”