Coverlet c. 1936

This is Ruth M. Barnes' "Coverlet". While its exact creation date is unknown, Barnes lived from 1855 to 1995. The drawing presents a symmetrical, quilt-like design dominated by a central blue star against a neutral background. Notice how the composition is organized around a square format, with the star motif contained within a border of blue and green geometric shapes. This structure evokes a sense of order and balance, yet the handcrafted quality of the drawing, with its visible pencil strokes and uneven lines, suggests a tension between the ideal of perfect symmetry and the reality of human imperfection. The use of color—primarily blue and green—lends the piece a cool, calming effect, while the geometric forms point towards a modern sensibility, abstracting natural forms into simplified shapes. Through its interplay of color, form, and texture, the drawing offers a space for contemplation on the relationship between tradition and modernity.