Erna’s work is defined by its 20th century sensibility — an enduring influence on generations that followed. Most artists are dead; following is a declaration of love.

Bedcover
Erna E. (née Hucke) Postel (American, 1889-1998?) Mascoutah, Illinois, United States

Penny Doily Quilt
Erna E. Postel (American, 1889-1998?) Mascoutah, Illinois, United States

Untitled
Kiki Smith American, born Germany, 1954

The Elliott Room (Charter Series)
Robert Ryman American, 1930-2019

Samovar
Designed by Henry van de Velde Belgian, 1863-1957 Made by the Workshop of Theodor Müller Weimar, Germany, founded late 19th century

Fragments (Border)
Nasca Coyunga, Nazca Valley, South coast, Peru

Altar Set
China

Landscape in the Style of Ancient Masters: after Ni Zan (1301-1374)
Lan Ying (Chinese, 1585-c. 1664)

Discontinuous Aggregates
Robert Smithson American, 1938–1973

Dining Table
Josef Albers American, born Germany, 1888-1976 Bauhaus Workshop Germany, 1919-1933

Five Panels of a Vajrasattva Crown with Transcendental Buddhas
Tibet

Gusanos (Worms)
Francisco Toledo Mexican, 1940-2019

Bulb Pot
Wedgwood Manufactory (1759–present) Etruria, Staffordshire, England

Five Blues (Punj Neelay)
Rasheed Araeen British, born Pakistan, 1935

Bertha, Dress Front, Collars, and Two Cuffs
Belgium, Brussels

Teakettle and Stand
Design attributed to Edward C. Moore (American, 1827–1891) Tiffany and Company (American, founded 1837) New York

Gag Bags and Taco Girls
Tom Huck (American, born 1971) printed by Daniel Smith (American, active 2001)

Chasuble, Stole, Maniple, Chalice Veil, Burse
Vestments made by Minnie B. Hanner (American, active c. 1934) Orphreys made by Alice Richardson (American, active c. 1934) of Christ Church, Joliet United States, Illinois, Joliet

Five Borders
Italy, Genoa

Bedcover
Mertie Amalia Postel (American, 1891–1980) United States, Illinois, Mascoutah