Panel

Winifred Nicholson, 1920

MEDIUMCotton, plain weave; stencilled; painted
DIMENSIONS226.6 × 167.7 cm (89 1/4 × 66 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONTextiles
CULTURECalifornia
CREDIT LINEGift of Giles Kotcher

Stop to appreciate this striking textile panel, where Winifred Nicholson combines stenciling and painting to create a lively, decorative artwork. Its bold floral design and warm colors offer a unique glimpse into early 20th-century artistic innovation.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This large textile panel, created by Winifred Nicholson around 1920, captivates with its bold, stenciled forms and painted details. The design features an array of stylized flowers and leaves, arranged in a rhythmic, almost dance-like pattern across the cotton fabric. Each motif feels hand-touched, with subtle variations in color and line that give the piece a vibrant, organic quality. The interplay of soft washes of paint with the crisp outlines of the stencils creates a sense of depth and movement. It reflects a moment when artists were exploring new ways to integrate art into daily life, moving beyond traditional canvases to functional and decorative objects. This panel speaks to a period of artistic experimentation, where craft and fine art converged, offering a fresh perspective on domestic aesthetics.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

Observe the stenciled outlines that define the floral and leaf shapes.

2

Notice the hand-painted details within each stenciled form, adding texture.

3

Look for the variations in color saturation, giving each flower a unique feel.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate this striking textile panel, where Winifred Nicholson combines stenciling and painting to create a lively, decorative artwork. Its bold flor…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Winifred Nicholson 1893–1981 · United Kingdom

Winifred Nicholson, a British painter, captured the vibrant essence of still lifes and landscapes, often exploring the interplay of light and color.

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