Coverlet c. 1936

This "Coverlet" design was made by William Hoffman sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Looking at the image, I can see a hand sketching out a beautiful decorative pattern in red and blue, one that seems to want to cover an entire surface, maybe a quilt, maybe more… I wonder about Hoffman, patiently working away in his studio. What was he thinking as he plotted the repeated diamond pattern at the bottom, or the cascading floral motifs? The painting has a kind of organized exuberance. The red and blue trade off with each other, creating this visual vibration that makes you want to touch it. It reminds me of some early textiles by Anni Albers. The overall effect is quite charming, like a memory of a cozy afternoon spent stitching or quilting with family. It is like Hoffman is participating in this ongoing, centuries-long conversation that artists have with color, form, and pattern making. A conversation that stretches all the way into our present day.