plain weave, cylinder printed (overall production method/technique)
Measurements:
overall: 36 in x 40 in; 91.44 cm x 101.6 cm
Object Name:
fabric length
Place made:
United States: New York, New York City
Date made:
1918
Description:
"Minerva" is one of the second series of La Victoire silks, produced by H.R. Mallinson & Co. in conjunction with the Peace Conference that followed the signing of the Armistice that ended the fighting in World War I. The Roman goddess of both war and wisdom, Minerva’s presence in this design suggests that the Mallinson company supported a gentler peace than would eventually be ratified by the Treaty of Versailles. The choice of Minerva, and not the Greek goddess Athena, who had similar attributes, may be due to Minerva’s association with weaving—a reminder of the medium for this message. This design of repeated roundels was printed in 4 colors on a blue ground of Mallinson’s popular “Pussy Willow” silk.
