Group of six examples of European quilt-work of the type historically given the collective name “whitework”
Not on view
The initial impression of simplicity conveyed by this elegant, monochromatic coverlet belies the intense skill and virtuoso technique demanded of its creator, probably a talented, female amateur, creating functional decoration for her own home. Historically described as “whitework,” this is a whole-cloth quilt (as opposed to a pieced or “patchwork” quilt). It is distinguished by a total absence of colored pigment: instead, the decorative and figurative design is achieved on a bleached white support via quilted stitching, with additional relief created by highlighting and shadowing via raised work, by stuffing and by inserting cords between layers of support. Requiring considerably more skill and dexterity to stitch than pieced quilts, works like this were conventionally regarded in Europe as more subtle and tasteful than patchwork pieces.
