Tumbling Blocks Quilt with Signatures by Adeline Harris Sears
 |
| Tumbling Blocks Quilt Source: MET Museum |
Crafts like textiles and quilts are seldom seen as works of art because they tend to be common, household items and are usually produced by unknown artists who are—in essence—ordinary people. Quilts are also usually produced by women, who are traditionally overlooked and undervalued in the study and history of art.
However, scholars are now beginning to understand the significance of quilts as artistic and cultural objects. Quilts in particular were traditionally a way for women—who were often confined to their homes and rarely allowed to be involved with formal artistic pursuits like painting or sculpting—to express themselves.
This particular quilt, which uses a tumbling blocks pattern was created by seventeen-year-old Adeline Harris, of Rhode Island, in 1856. The intricate pattern uses hundreds of different pieces of fabric in dozens of different colors and prints. Each block of the pattern contains a white diamond which was signed by a different politician, scientist, author, or artist. Harris asked each of these prominent figures to sign the fabric and return it to her. The resulting quilt contains the signatures of eight American presidents and authors like Charles Dickens.
Although the quilt itself is beautiful, demonstrating a great deal of skill and creativity. However, more importantly, it represents Harris’ worldview. The quilt contains all the cultural, social, and political movements and ideas that Harris valued; it is a personalized—and artistic—vision of the world.
Comments
Post a Comment