Skip to Content
Closed today, next open tomorrow. Closed today, next open tomorrow.

  • Mon 11–5
  • Tue–Wed Closed
  • Thu 11–8
  • Fri–Sun 11–5
  • The first hour of every day, 10–11 a.m., is reserved for member-only viewing.

Fragment

A work made of silk, satin weave with supplementary patterning warps and pile warps forming cut voided velvet.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

Image actions

  • A work made of silk, satin weave with supplementary patterning warps and pile warps forming cut voided velvet.

Date:

1838/1855

Artist:

Designed by Gertrude Rapp (American, 1808–1889)
Woven by the Harmony Society (American, founded in Germany, 1785-1916)

About this artwork

This work exemplifies American efforts toward domestic silk production in the early 19th century. At the time, some Americans expressed concern that the importation of luxury goods, such as silk, from Europe, did not properly showcase the nation’s greatness. Under the direction of Gertrude Rapp, members of the Harmony Society, a small pious sect of Lutheran immigrants, raised silkworms and wove silk textiles. Although members supposedly had no interest in fashion or luxury, this colorful silk velvet demonstrates their dedication to self-sufficiency.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Artist

Gertrude Rapp (Designer)

Title

Fragment

Place

United States (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1838–1855

Medium

Silk, satin weave with supplementary patterning warps and pile warps forming cut voided velvet

Dimensions

24.4 × 47 cm (9 5/8 × 18 1/2 in.); Repeat: 11.6 × 5.1 cm (4 5/8 × 2 in.)

Credit Line

Acquired by exchange from the Scalamandré Museum

Reference Number

1952.502

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/77594/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

Share

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.
Learn more

Image actions

Share

Suggested Terms