Mennonite Concentric Squares Quilt

This Concentric Squares quilt is certainly an original. It is done entirely with solid colors which adds to the drama of the simple pattern. It precedes, by nearly 100 years, the iconic series of Homage to the Square paintings by abstract artist Josef Albers. Albers did a series of more than 1000 versions of the square from the time he began in 1949 until his death in 1971. His aim was largely to demonstrate the variations in color depending upon the tones they abut. While this quilt does not experiment with color in the same way, the patterns are very much alike. The stitching is done entirely with diamond patterns. The backing is a late 19th century small pattern print. Condition is excellent. Measurements are 76: x 80:. Pennsylvania origin; made circa 1880.