Towel or Napkin c. 19th century

This ‘Towel or Napkin’ by an anonymous artist presents an object of everyday use, yet it invites us to consider the poetics inherent in the mundane. The linen, with its simple weave, offers a field of quiet texture, punctuated by stains that map an unrecorded history of use. The embroidered floral borders at the top and bottom introduce a decorative element, where stylised pink flowers and verdant foliage create a rhythmic pattern. The piece challenges traditional notions of art by elevating a functional item into a space for aesthetic contemplation. Its structure prompts us to reflect on the semiotics of domestic objects – how they serve not just practical needs but also carry cultural meanings. The artist challenges the rigid separation between art and craft, between the gallery wall and the intimate spaces of life. It asks: where does utility end and art begin?