Cushion cover c. 18th century

This cushion cover is an anonymous work of textile art housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its muted palette, dominated by faded reds and blues, overlaid on an undyed ground, immediately conveys a sense of aged intimacy and domesticity. The composition reveals a structured yet informal approach to design. Notice how the three primary motifs—floral-like patterns—are arranged with both a sense of symmetry and a deliberate asymmetry, creating a visual rhythm that's both comforting and engaging. This tension between order and spontaneity invites us to consider the cultural codes embedded within textile art, particularly those of domestic craft. The cover challenges fixed notions of high art by integrating aesthetic expression into everyday objects. The floral motifs, while decorative, also function as signs, hinting at a broader discourse around nature, culture, and the role of the handmade in society. Through its material presence and structured design, the cushion cover thus becomes more than just an object of comfort. It invites us to reflect on the values and meanings we ascribe to the objects that surround us.