Passover towel c. 19th century

This undated Passover towel at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a textile work of unknown origin. Its vertical composition is divided into three registers, each densely filled with motifs and text that invite a structural analysis. The rose wreath at the top frames an idyllic scene, contrasting with the heraldic emblem in the center. Here, two lions flank a crowned shield, rendered with careful symmetry. Below, a floral arrangement mirrors the upper wreath, creating a visual echo that binds the piece. The textiles’ decorative elements and Hebrew inscriptions form a complex semiotic system. The meticulous arrangement of text and image suggests a symbolic order, reflecting the ritualistic nature of Passover. Note the interplay between organic and geometric forms, a tension that destabilizes any singular interpretation. The towel’s visual elements function as a series of signs, inviting ongoing interpretation and cultural discourse around faith and identity.