Coverlet (Reverse Side) 1935 - 1942

Cornelius Christoffels made this watercolor and graphite rendering of a coverlet in the early 20th century. The design shows a repeated pattern of red and blue geometric shapes, all carefully laid out on a grid. The image, though, isn’t just a pleasing design; it also reflects broader trends in American art education and social history. During this time, there was a growing interest in preserving and celebrating American folk art, often associated with rural communities. Institutions like museums and schools began to collect and document these objects, recognizing their cultural value. Christoffels’s drawing is part of this movement, capturing the design of a handcrafted textile. This interest in folk art also tied into anxieties about industrialization, where handmade objects were seen to embody a connection to tradition. Coverlets like this were not only functional but also expressions of personal and community identity. Examining archival collections of patterns, textile samples, and family histories can deepen our understanding of the social meanings embedded in these designs. It highlights how art is intertwined with cultural values and historical processes.