Fragment veelkleurig gestreept zijdeweefsel. 1750 - 1800

This is a fragment of multicolored striped silk fabric by Zijdeweverij Heshuyzen. The textile industry, historically associated with women, particularly in the domestic sphere, often intersects with gendered labor practices. Here, the use of silk, a luxurious material, contrasts with the labor-intensive process of weaving, highlighting disparities in class and labor. The stripes and varied colors create a dynamic visual rhythm, yet the fragment itself speaks to incompleteness. Does this hint at the often fragmented nature of women's work and recognition in historical narratives? These small pieces come together to form a whole, reminiscent of a quilt, traditionally made in the domestic sphere. These patterns carry cultural significance, reflecting the tastes and trends of their time, while also embodying the stories, memories, and histories woven into the fabric.