Dated Quilt c. 1938

Therkel Anderson created this work, "Dated Quilt," using graphite and colored pencil. The drawing presents a detailed, symmetrical arrangement of floral patterns and dates, evocative of a traditional quilt design. The eye is drawn to the repetition of circular motifs, which contrast with the linear texture of the background, creating a dynamic visual rhythm. The composition invites us to consider the underlying structure of folk art, specifically the grid-like organization that mimics the patchwork nature of quilts. Note the use of color – the reds and greens are deliberately chosen to highlight the contrast and symmetry, emphasizing the structural aspects of the design. The inscribed dates, seemingly random, add another layer of semiotic complexity. They could represent significant moments or function as part of a personal coding system, questioning how meaning is embedded within seemingly simple designs. Anderson prompts a re-evaluation of folk art, not just as craft but as a sophisticated form of communication that destabilizes conventional art categories through its visual and conceptual structure.