Applique Bedspread

c. 1941

Arlene Perkins and Charlotte Winter

Associated Names
Arlene Perkins

Artist, American, active c. 1935

Charlotte Winter

Artist, American, active c. 1935

This is a painting of a quilt featuring an array of intricate patterns and imagery. The painting depicts a quilt composed of multiple square patches, each containing a diverse array of nature-inspired and abstract illustrations. The design includes various flowers, plants, birds, and what appear to be animal figures, each enclosed in its own block, providing a patchwork effect. The border of the quilt is adorned with a scalloped edge featuring a vine motif with leaves and berries, creating a continuous flow around the periphery. Bright and vibrant colors bring the patterns to life, with reds, blues, greens, and yellows predominantly used.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and gouache over graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 50.3 x 57.8 cm (19 13/16 x 22 3/4 in.)
    Original IAD Object: 100" wide; 88" long

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.2589


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2002

  • Drawing on America's Past: Folk Art, Modernism, and the Index of American Design, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2002-2003, no. 47, as Appliqué Quilt: Black-Family Album by Arlene Perkins.

Bibliography

1950

  • Christensen, Erwin O., The Index of American Design, New York: 1950, p. 117, no. 230.

2002

  • Drawing on America's Past: Folk Art, Modernism, and the Index of American Design. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2002-2003: no. 47.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: A. Perkins & / C. WINTER

Wikidata ID

Q64536427

You may be interested in

Loading Results