Bijna vierkante sjaal van wol met een cremekleurig fond waarin in rood en grijsblauw gestileerde kruis- en stermotieven zijn geweven c. 1810 - 1830

This nearly square woolen shawl, now at the Rijksmuseum, features stylized cross and star motifs woven in red and grey-blue against a cream background. The shawl’s structure is defined by a series of concentric frames. Starting with the central square, each layer introduces increasingly complex patterns, drawing the eye outward. The dots create a sense of rhythm and spacing which balance the geometric shapes of the surrounding squares, and the color combination creates a soft, muted palette that feels both traditional and sophisticated. This arrangement speaks to a deeper engagement with semiotics, where the repeated motifs function as signs within a cultural code. The symmetrical arrangement creates a visual harmony and invites contemplation on the relationship between order and ornamentation. This is not just about aesthetic pleasure but also about conveying cultural values through visual language. Ultimately, it’s the formal interplay between the geometric and the ornamental that makes the shawl visually compelling. The structure offers a rich field for interpretation and appreciation of the cultural meanings embedded within its design.