Coverlet c. 1940

This ‘Coverlet’ design, by Florence Milto, is a real gem – likely made with gouache or watercolor on paper. It’s a riot of red, blue, and green, all intertwined in a floral dance, with some kind of bird or other creature, that gives the piece a whimsical feel. I imagine Milto hunched over her desk, meticulously layering colors, maybe even cross-hatching, to achieve that textile-like texture. I bet she was really thinking about how to make these colors pop. The ‘WARRANTED FAST COLLER’ inscription is particularly sweet. I think she's probably having a conversation with other artists about the function and purpose of decoration. And the way she repeats patterns reminds me of folk art traditions. She’s not just creating a pretty picture; she's thinking about the practical applications of her design, and how it might brighten someone's home. It makes me wonder about the stories woven into textiles and how we can find endless inspiration in the world around us.