Name/Title
Towel, Wallhanging: Early Instruments U244Description
A four-color silkscreen print on natural linen depicting early musical instruments framed by a furling banner emblazoned with the names of baroque and classical composers.
The instruments are drawn orthographically and presented as flat, bold objects typical of mid-century modern graphics, bringing the baroque into the modern realm. The banner borders and softens the composition.
A matching tile was also produced; see images.
This wall hanging appears in the brochures “Country Prints by Robert Darr Wert and Neighbors”, c.1963 and c.1966; see images.
This is one of over sixty designs sold by Country Prints to Stevens Linen Associates of Dudley, Massachusetts, in January 1969. From that point onward, the designs were produced by Stevens with all reference to Robert Darr Wert and Country Prints removed. Many of these designs continued to be produced by Stevens throughout the 1970’s and some into the 1980’s.
In a memo from Fritz Kaufhold (Country Prints business manager) to Bob MacKay (Stonelea Mills/Stevens Linen Associates) dated February 12, 1969, Fritz notes, “We carried this number for a few special customers, selling approximately 200 doz. a year.” Later in the memo he indicates this was an average seller in the Country Prints line.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Robert Darr WertRole
ArtistManufacturer
Country PrintsDate made
circa 1962Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Location
Gill MA.Continent
North AmericaNotes
Top edge is finished to accept a dowel for hanging; lower edge is hemmed; left and right sides are selvedges.Inscription/Signature/Marks
“wert by hand”, lower left cornerDimensions
Height
30-3/4 inWidth
17 inMaterial
Unbleached Linen, Textile InkColor
Brick Red, Khaki Green, chartreuse, Black
