Sheet with overall floral pattern 1700 - 1800

This is an undated, hand-painted floral pattern on a sheet, made by an anonymous artist. Floral patterns like this one were often associated with domesticity, traditionally within the female sphere. However, we need to consider the global context: such patterns often conceal a history of colonialism and trade. The dyes and materials used could have been sourced through exploitative labor practices, connecting the intimacy of the home to broader networks of power and exploitation. Consider how this pattern may have been used – perhaps in clothing or home furnishings, subtly reinforcing gendered roles and class distinctions. The anonymity of the artist also speaks volumes, perhaps reflecting the devaluing of women's work or the erasure of non-Western artistic traditions. It invites us to consider who has been historically excluded from the narratives of art and design. This pattern can serve as a reminder of the complex social structures embedded in even the most seemingly benign aspects of our material culture.