Hunting and fishing scenes 1769

This cotton textile, depicting hunting and fishing scenes, was created by Robert Jones in the first half of the 19th century. The scenes, printed onto the fabric, illustrate the leisure activities of the upper classes. Notice how the design is meticulously printed, likely using engraved copper plates, a labor-intensive process requiring skilled artisans. This mode of production speaks to the beginnings of industrialization and the burgeoning textile industry. The material itself—cotton—was a major commodity, its production deeply tied to global trade and, of course, the exploitation of enslaved people. The intricate designs and the very fabric on which they appear, reflect the complex social and economic structures of the time. The textile blurs the lines between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the cultural significance embedded in everyday materials.