Designs for Embroidery 1800 - 1900

These embroidery designs, now at the Met, were made with watercolor and graphite on paper by an unknown artist. The material qualities of this work are really interesting. At first glance, it's easy to see this sheet as a simple technical drawing, a means to an end. But look closely, and you'll see subtle decisions at play. The hand of the artist can be seen in the confident brushwork, the blending of colors, and the way the graphite under-drawing gives definition to the forms. Each of the floral swags has been carefully considered, not just for its practical application, but also for its aesthetic appeal. Embroidery, like other textile arts, has often been relegated to the realm of craft, seen as women's work. But designs like these remind us that all making is intellectual work. Whether on paper or cloth, skill and artistry are inseparable.