About this artwork
This velvet was designed to fit into the highly fantastical and elaborate Pre-Columbian inspired interior of the Fisher Theater in Detroit, illustrated in the panel to the left. The brightly colored and boldly patterned fabric, which features an abstract figure, coordinated with the overall theatricality of the environment. Pre-Columbian art and architecture became increasingly popular among American designers during the 1920s and ‘30s, in part due to the perception that these ancient art forms set a precedent for American artistic achievement independent of Europe.
—Modern Velvet: A Sense of Luxury in the Age of Industry, Oct 21, 2016-Mar 19, 2017, Galleries 57-59
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Artist
- Mrs. Howard C. Blake (Designer)
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Title
- Upholstery Fabric for the Fisher Theater
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Place
- United States (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1918–1938
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Medium
- Cotton and wool, plain weave with supplementary pile warps forming cut solid velvet; printed
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Dimensions
- 183.5 × 141.3 cm (72 1/4 × 55 5/8 in.); Repeat: 68.4 × 68.5 cm (27 × 27 in.)
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Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by Mrs. Ralph P. Youngren
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Reference Number
- 1990.516
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.
