Printed Textile c. 1938

Lucille Lacoursiere, who lived from 1916 to 2015, made this printed textile, whose date is unknown. This design, with its prominent use of the paisley motif, evokes the rich history of textile production and trade. The paisley pattern itself has traveled through cultures, originating in Persia and becoming popular in Europe, particularly in the town of Paisley, Scotland, during the 19th century. Given Lacoursiere’s lifetime, understanding the institutional history of textile design in North America during the 20th century is crucial. Was she part of a larger design movement, or was she working independently? Her design choices, from the color palette to the arrangement of the motifs, may reflect broader trends or perhaps a deliberate departure from them. To fully appreciate this textile, further research into the artist's biography, the cultural context of textile design during her career, and the specific techniques employed in creating this piece would be invaluable. After all, art is contingent on social and institutional context.