Textile Design with Alternating Vertical Rows of Lozenges over a Background of Intersecting Diagonal Ribbons 1840

This textile design, whose maker remains anonymous, features alternating vertical rows of lozenges over a background of intersecting diagonal ribbons. The color palette is limited to shades of brown and cream, punctuated by the odd blue lozenge. Textiles have historically been a medium through which women have expressed their creativity, and contributed to the economic well-being of their families. While the maker of this design is unknown, one wonders about her social position, and the conditions under which she worked. This piece invites us to consider the labor, skill, and creativity that went into textile production, and the ways in which women have been central to this industry. While we may not know the specific circumstances of the artist who created this piece, it serves as a reminder of the many anonymous hands that have shaped our material culture. It prompts us to consider who is included, and who is excluded, from the historical record. It is a testament to the power of everyday objects to tell stories, even when the voices of their makers are lost to time.