Applique Coverlet c. 1936

Jules Lefevere made this Applique Coverlet, we're not sure when, but Lefevere lived a long life and made work until 1995. I see a real sensibility for colour, with the reds and greens balanced by the blue sprigs, like you find in old china. I love the way the different botanical forms fill their square or circular frames, with the pale ground peeking through. This is so clearly made by hand, not in some automated factory process. I’m thinking particularly of the anchor motif; the kind of wonky, charming drawing style really elevates the piece. It reminds me a bit of Gee’s Bend quilts, with the way it balances improvisation and traditional forms. But it also makes me think of some of the botanical illustrations of someone like Maria Merian, who was also interested in art and science. Art is like that, everything converses.