Log Cabin Quilt, Courthouse Steps Variation1880–190075 3/4 x 64 " (192.4 x 162.6 cm)Silks, including satinGift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Weinstein2007.15.701546683557Artist unidentifiedTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesNew YorkTextilesLike the other Log Cabin textiles on view in the exhibition, this quilt falls into the “show quilt” category, as its fine fabrics probably precluded its use as a functional bedcover. Instead, the quilt was most likely intended for decorative use and would have been removed from the bed before sleeping.Because there is no elaborate stitching interrupting the surface of this quilt, it fairly shimmers with the glossy silks used in highly contrasting colors. The quiltmaker demonstrates a strong understanding of the dynamic effect of placing red next to yellow-gold, colors traditionally associated with wealth and royalty because of the costliness of the dyes. It is an example of a log cabin quilt, constructed by stitching rectangular “logs” to one another and to a fabric foundation in a technique known as foundation patchwork or foundation piecing. The log cabin quilt came to prominence in the 1860s. While early versions were made in cotton and wool, by the 1870s a “show” style, utilizing the silks and fine wools of the period, had developed. The many variations of the log cabin are based on the use of light and dark strips of fabric. This variation is known as courthouse steps.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Log Cabin Quilt, Courthouse Steps Variation," exhibition label for Ooh, Shiny!. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org18801900 2007 15 7 Like the other Log Cabin textiles on view in the exhibition, this quilt falls into the “show quilt” category, as its fine fabrics probably precluded its use as a functional bedcover. Instead, the quilt was most likely intended for decorative use and would have been removed from the bed before sleeping.Because there is no elaborate stitching interrupting the surface of this quilt, it fairly shimmers with the glossy silks used in highly contrasting colors. The quiltmaker demonstrates a strong understanding of the dynamic effect of placing red next to yellow-gold, colors traditionally associated with wealth and royalty because of the costliness of the dyes. It is an example of a log cabin quilt, constructed by stitching rectangular “logs” to one another and to a fabric foundation in a technique known as foundation patchwork or foundation piecing. The log cabin quilt came to prominence in the 1860s. While early versions were made in cotton and wool, by the 1870s a “show” style, utilizing the silks and fine wools of the period, had developed. The many variations of the log cabin are based on the use of light and dark strips of fabric. This variation is known as courthouse steps.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Log Cabin Quilt, Courthouse Steps Variation," exhibition label for Ooh, Shiny!. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org