Quilt, Hexagon or Honeycomb pattern 1846

Editor: This quilt, made around 1846, showcases a “Honeycomb” or “Hexagon” pattern, now hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It strikes me as so comforting and folksy – a really tactile piece of art. What significance do you find in this seemingly simple geometric design? Curator: This isn’t merely a blanket; it's a map of memory, Rebecca Davis wove symbols reflecting her time. The hexagon, echoing honeycombs, speaks of community, industry, and the sweet rewards of labor. Note the central star—perhaps a symbol of guidance, hope, or even remembrance of a loved one, subtly contrasting the repeated geometric figures. Editor: It's interesting that you point out the honeycomb. Now that you mention it, how might the repeating shapes represent societal values of the time? Curator: The careful stitching, the precise repetition of shapes, they all point to a culture that valued order and diligence. Each piece, often made from repurposed fabric, carries its own story, contributing to the larger narrative. Look closely – can you discern any particular fabrics or colors that might suggest more personal narratives embedded within the overall design? Editor: I see a lot of browns, reds, and blues. I would never have thought about them holding little secrets about where these pieces originated, like clothing, or something sentimental... Curator: Exactly! That kind of subtle communication was prevalent. Quilts weren’t just for warmth; they were visual diaries, conveying emotions and experiences that were perhaps too delicate or complex to articulate directly. Editor: That adds a whole new layer to what I see when I look at it now! Curator: Indeed. Symbols help preserve cultural values; in this quilt, Rebecca has pieced together fragments into something far greater and full of memory.