Towel or Napkin c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous 19th-century piece from the Art Institute of Chicago, a textile identified as "Towel or Napkin." It’s surprisingly affecting; you can see the history of its use right on the fabric. What stands out to you? Curator: I am immediately drawn to the labor embedded in this seemingly simple object. We can see the marks of wear and tear, of course, but let's also consider the time and skill required to create the woven ground and then embellish it with hand-embroidered details. Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty decoration, it is also a record of its making? Curator: Exactly! Think about the social context. Who made this? Was it a commissioned piece, or created within a domestic setting? The repetitive nature of weaving and embroidery often connects to women's work, and this piece challenges the traditional hierarchy separating "high art" from what might be considered "craft" or domestic labor. Editor: I hadn't considered the implications of it being categorized as a craft. It almost feels like we are meant to disregard it as art. Curator: Precisely! By examining the materiality – the fibres, the dyes, the stitching – we can understand the social and economic conditions of its production and consumption. The stains also reveal how embedded the piece must have been within everyday life. The beauty emerges through both decorative touches and the marks of time, challenging conventional boundaries between art and everyday function. What do you make of the stains themselves? Editor: Now that you mention it, the stains provide another dimension. It isn't just an object; it's a witness to life! The fact that someone decided to preserve it…it reveals such an intimacy. Curator: And, how notions of value shift over time. An item, mundane in one context, takes on great import and, dare I say, beauty.