Woven Coverlet c. 1936

Margaret Linsley made this "Woven Coverlet" with watercolor and graphite in an unknown year. The striking composition immediately draws us in with its bold geometric forms and primary color scheme of blue, red, and white. This visual organization creates a dynamic yet balanced tension. The coverlet's pattern is based on a grid, in which the interplay of squares, lines, and circles, produces a sense of rhythmic movement across the surface. Linsley's formal decisions about color, shape, and line suggest a deeper engagement with the semiotic potential of art. The coverlet utilizes signs and symbols to create meaning. The square may represent stability, while the circle suggests continuity, and the colors themselves carry cultural and emotional associations. Ultimately, this work challenges us to consider how seemingly simple formal elements can be arranged to create complex layers of meaning. It offers a space for ongoing interpretation.