Log Cabin quilt

Mary Elizabeth Kennedy

ca. 1935 · Top: cotton and rayon; back: cotton and rayon · Modern and Contemporary Art

In this quilt, Kennedy used the traditional Log Cabin pattern in a completely unconventional manner. Each block is constructed of narrow strips of fabric in shades of blue-green that meet on the diagonal with white strips. Rather than using the blocks to form a symmetrical and ordered overall pattern, as in Log Cabin quilts made in other areas, Kennedy chose to place her blocks in a way that creates a streak of white lightning coursing down the left side. The blue-green triangles are more predominant on the right side.

Artist

Mary Elizabeth Kennedy

Date

ca. 1935

Medium

Top: cotton and rayon; back: cotton and rayon

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Gift of Souls Grown Deep Foundation from the William S. Arnett Collection, 2014