Quilt (Star and Triangle) 1935 - 1942

This quilt, titled "Star and Triangle," was made by Henry Granet, born in 1855 and died in 1995. It’s comprised of cotton and thread, humble materials transformed through careful, skilled labor. Notice the regular geometry: stars and triangles arrayed across the surface. These shapes aren't just decorative; they reflect a deep engagement with mathematics and design. Quilting is so often associated with women's work, so the fact that this piece was made by a man is significant. The process involves cutting fabric into precise shapes, arranging them into patterns, and then stitching them together. This demands patience, precision, and a keen eye for color and composition. The labor is intensive, and the finished object embodies countless hours of work, a testament to the value of handcraft in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. Thinking about the quilt as both a functional object and a work of art allows us to appreciate its full cultural richness, questioning these artificial hierarchies.