Towel-scarf c. 19th century

This is an undated towel-scarf of unknown creation, residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. At first glance, the rectangular cloth is dominated by a pale, subtly-gridded field punctuated by irregular stains, bordered on each short end with geometric embroidery. The material's staining complicates our reading. The transparent ground destabilizes traditional notions of pristine art objects, challenging fixed meanings of value. The stains, acting as indexical signs of prior use, add layers of signification beyond the artist's original intent. The embroidery contains angular blocks in ochre, blue, and pinks. These create a formal tension with the random, organic stains which evoke a dialogue between deliberate aesthetic design and chance. Ultimately, the work's interest lies in this interplay, offering a space for ongoing interpretation. It invites us to consider how an artwork's meaning evolves through its life and use, becoming a palimpsest of intention, accident, and time.