Marion Dorn
American textile designer, 1899-1964
Scarf
1941/1945
Cotton plain weave, printed
36 1/8 x 35 3/8 inches (91.758 x 89.853 centimeters)
Gift of Kate Fowler Merle-Smith, 1978.
1978.026.498

When American designer Marion Dorn returned to New York in 1940 after fifteen successful years designing textiles in London, she struggled as a freelance designer, supporting herself by making scarves such as this one. It evokes the turmoil of the time; the slogan "Greece fights on" refers to Greek resistance to German occupation, which began in 1941. She combined ancient and modern symbolism, using the colors of the Greek flag and elements from ancient pottery, such as spirals, helmets, and a shield.