Art Institute of Chicago

"Star of Bethlehem" Quilt

Possibly Newburgh, New York, United States

Date

c. 1830

Medium

Cotton, various plain weaves; printed; some calendarized and glazed; pieced; lined with cotton, plain weave; pieced; batting: cotton; quilted

Culture

Newburgh

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This large bedcover presents a spectacular display of stylish English chintz contrasted with plain white cotton fabric and red patterned cotton, likely of American production. Piecing and quilting this brilliant array of fabrics was an ambitious project. Colorful large and impressively complex quilts became increasingly common toward the mid-19th century, as the availability of a broad range of patterned textiles resulted in the creation of quilts for show, fostering friendly competition among quilters.

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