American Feltwork Picture of Fruit in a Footed Bowl, Probably New York State

Details

Description

The Textile Table: A Folk Art Still Life in Felt

Object: Picture of Fruit in a Bowl
Medium: Cut and … Read more The Textile Table: A Folk Art Still Life in Felt

Object: Picture of Fruit in a Bowl
Medium: Cut and Layered Feltwork (Appliqué) on a Dark Ground
Origin: Probably New York State, United States
Date: Circa 1890-1910

This strikingly large American feltwork picture transforms the classical subject of the still life into a vibrant, textural folk art medium. The composition features a highly detailed arrangement of various fruits—including peaches, pears, apples, grapes, bananas, and cherries—overflowing from an openwork, metal-footed bowl. The strong, original colors of the felt are beautifully preserved against a deep, dark background, giving the work a dramatic depth.

Visual Analysis and Technique

The piece utilizes the technique of appliqué, where shapes cut from different colored wool felt are layered and stitched onto a backing material.

Textural Detail: The artist achieved dimensionality by carefully cutting, padding, and positioning the pieces. The felt naturally absorbs light, giving the fruit a soft, volumetric quality, while the simulated metal bowl—likely created with small, meticulously cut white or grey felt pieces—provides a central element of delicate detail.

The Subject: The subject of a bountiful fruit bowl is common in still life painting, symbolizing abundance and domestic prosperity. The inclusion of diverse fruits, such as the tropical banana alongside local apples and pears, reflects the expanding American food market at the turn of the 20th century.

Historical Context: American Folk Crafts

This work belongs to a rich tradition of American amateur craft, particularly popular among women in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Unlike professional oil painting, feltwork was an accessible medium that used common, inexpensive materials to create lasting decorative objects.

Regional Production: While the origins are noted as "Probably New York State," such felt pictures were made throughout the Northeastern United States. They served as important decorative pieces, showcasing the maker's skill and providing colorful art for the home at a time when purchasing expensive framed artwork was beyond the means of most families.

Dimensions

Height: 21 1/4 inches (53.98cm) high
Width: 31 inches (78.74cm) wide
Depth (Framed): 4 inches deep

References

Vlach, John Michael., Plain Painters: Making Sense of American Folk Art (For analysis of materials and methods in amateur and folk traditions).

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Collection (Holds significant collections of American folk textiles and decorative arts for comparative study).

Bishop, Robert., American Folk Art: Expressions of a New Spirit (For an overview of decorative home crafts and their social context in the period).

(Ref: NY10375-nurr) See less