Bed Rug 1796

Hannah Johnson created this bed rug, currently at the Art Institute of Chicago, using wool on a linen base. Its symmetrical composition, with earth-toned floral motifs against a light backdrop, suggests a sense of groundedness. The rug's formal structure invites a semiotic reading. Each meticulously crafted flower, leaf, and vine acts as a sign. Note how the central floral arrangement anchors the design, while the encircling patterns create a rhythm that speaks to both nature's order and human artistry. The repetition of these natural forms isn't merely decorative; it establishes a visual language that celebrates the inherent beauty of the natural world, while maintaining a sense of balance through pattern and mirroring. In considering its materiality, the wool adds a tactile dimension, an invitation to touch and feel the labor embedded within the art. As you consider the rug's overall structure, reflect on how Johnson's bed rug transforms functional textile into a statement of aesthetic and cultural values.