Sheet with abstract pattern with curved lines and dots 1800 - 1900

This sheet with an abstract pattern, made by an anonymous artist, presents a series of intriguing shapes. Each one divided in half with curved lines and dots. The image creates meaning through visual codes. The shapes evoke celestial bodies or stylized fruit, and the repeating pattern suggests a textile design. The absence of information about the artist prompts us to consider the role of institutions like the Met in shaping our understanding of art. Who decides what is worthy of preservation and display? How do cultural biases influence these decisions? To better understand this work, we might research the history of textile design and pattern-making. We could also investigate the collecting practices of museums. Art is contingent on its social and institutional context. Historical research can help us to appreciate art in the social context in which it was made.