Table Cover 1940

Edith Magnette created this table cover with watercolor and pencil on fabric in the late 19th or early 20th century. The whimsical scene of women with umbrellas and houses with smoking chimneys presents a charming image of domesticity. But what does it mean to aestheticize the domestic sphere in this way? The Arts and Crafts movement in Europe and America, which overlapped with Magnette’s lifetime, saw a resurgence of interest in craft and a self-conscious revival of pre-industrial forms of production. This was a reaction against the industrial revolution. The design of this table cover could be seen as a subtle commentary on women's roles, a gentle assertion of their artistic abilities within the confines of the home. Examining craft magazines and domestic advice manuals from that time could give us further insight into the significance of this artwork. Ultimately, understanding its historical context allows us to appreciate its depth.