Coverlet 1937

Ralph Atkinson produced this coverlet, likely in the early to mid-20th century, using watercolor and graphite on paper. It is a detailed, scaled plan for the manufacture of a textile. We might consider this artwork as an example of the American Arts and Crafts movement, which reacted to industrialization by emphasizing handcraft and design reform. This coverlet design evokes an imagined pre-industrial past while embracing contemporary aesthetics and techniques. The image creates meaning through the use of visual codes rooted in nature and craftsmanship. The floral patterns and symmetrical design suggest a yearning for order and beauty in an increasingly chaotic world. The red and white color scheme is reminiscent of traditional folk art. This meticulous rendering testifies to the value placed on skilled labor and the desire to elevate everyday objects to the level of fine art. To fully understand this coverlet, we might research the Arts and Crafts movement, textile production, and the cultural values of the time. Art history reminds us that artworks are always products of their social and institutional contexts.