Quilt (Wholecloth quilt)

Description

This wholecloth quilt from Provence is known as a vanne. Vannes are small, quilted bedcovers made to rest on top of larger bedcoverings as a decorative or commemorative item. Made from silk and cotton, this saffron-yellow quilt features a center medallion with the initials "T N" stitched over a diamond lattice background. The medallion is framed by repetitive borders, swags, and motifs characteristic of its Provençal origin, including hearts, marguerites, rosemary, and pomegranates. Quilts from Provence often reflect the surrounding environment. Bright yellow is a part of the region's palette and can be likened to sunflowers and spices like saffron found at the Provençal markets. This vanne is thought to be made in the mid-nineteenth century, possibly in celebration of a wedding. It is unknown how or why this quilt ended up in New York before Henry Francis du Pont purchased it from a dealer.