Coverlet-Applique Quilt c. 1937

This watercolor shows an applique quilt designed by Manuel G. Runyan. The quilt's process is central to its appeal; small pieces of fabric sewn onto a larger background, creating patterns and images through layering and stitching. The visible seams, the texture of the fabric, and the regularity of the stitches speak to the immense labor involved. Quilting has deep roots in domestic craft traditions, often associated with women's work and community collaboration. Historically, quilts were made from scraps of fabric, reflecting resourcefulness and thrift. Runyan elevates this humble material and process into art, while the geometric design and floral motifs nod to both folk art and the broader decorative arts traditions. The regularity and repetition of the pattern is evidence of the intense labor involved in the process of creating this quilt. Understanding the material and the making of this quilt enriches our appreciation of it, bridging the gap between craft and fine art.