Panel c. 19th century

This cotton panel of unknown date was created by an anonymous maker. Its origins lie in the textile traditions of India. The seemingly simple red geometric pattern on a white ground is a key to understanding the complex social and economic forces at play. As trade routes opened, Indian textiles became highly sought after in Europe and beyond. Yet these beautiful fabrics weren't just objects of desire, they were commodities within a global economic system that also included the rise of plantation economies and slavery. The popularity of these textiles had an impact on the artistic landscape of the West, and the textile industry itself. Understanding the meaning of an object like this requires close attention to these global histories. Examining trade records, colonial archives, and the inventories of merchant companies, can help us better understand the role of this artwork in the history of economic exchange and cultural influence.