Cushion front c. 1600 - 1650

This ‘Cushion Front’ is an anonymous textile work which presents an opportunity to think about the complex layers of history, identity, and representation woven into our everyday lives. Textiles like this were more than decorative; they were a form of storytelling, reflecting the cultural values and social structures of the time. The figures depicted here—often interpreted as allegorical or biblical— invite us to reflect on the identities and narratives that were valued and circulated. This piece presents a tableau of idealized figures in a pastoral setting, possibly alluding to classical or religious themes. Consider how the choice of subject matter, and its execution in this medium, speaks to notions of domesticity, femininity, and the transmission of cultural knowledge. Textiles were often produced by women, within the domestic sphere, and served as a means of expressing creativity, skill, and cultural identity. In encountering this ‘Cushion Front’, we are invited to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves, and how these stories shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.