Refresh Your Wardrobe with Our Newest Art Scarves

Ring in the spring season with new neckwear—including scarves, neckerchiefs, and shawls—inspired by paintings, drawings, prints, and textiles in The Met collection. Preview our latest additions below.

Monet Blooms Double-Sided Square Silk Scarf

This elegant scarf presents two ethereal images by Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926) from The Met’s European Paintings collection

Monet Blooms Double-Sided Square Silk Scarf

 

Chrysanthemums (1882) is one of some 20 serene still lifes that the Impressionist artist and avid gardener produced between 1878 and 1883. It was exhibited alongside his Bouquet of Sunflowers (1881), also in the Museum’s holdings, at the Galerie Durand-Ruel in Paris in 1883, and again with the avant-garde artists’ circle Les XX in Brussels in 1886. 

A detail of "Chrysanthemums" (1882) on the Monet Blooms Double-Sided Square Silk Scarf

 

On the reverse side of the scarf is Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies (1899), an iconic view of Monet’s beloved water-lily garden in Giverny. 

A detail from "Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies" (1899) on the Monet Blooms Double-Sided Square Silk Scarf

 

Kashan Carpet Square Scarf

This eye-catching scarf refreshes a magnificent 16th-century Kashan carpet in The Met’s Islamic Art collection with a brighter, bolder color palette for the modern day.

Kashan Carpet Square Scarf

 

Named after an Iranian city where silk carpets have long been produced, Kashan carpets with such a fine, entirely silk construction are rare and intricate creations; only about 20 are known to survive, and four are in the Museum’s holdings. This particular example belongs to a small group of silk weavings with an exceptionally high knot density. Rows upon rows of small, hand-tied knots reveal spectacular patterns such as those reproduced here.

Silk Kashan Carpet. Made in Iran, probably Kashan. Silk (warp, weft and pile); asymmetrically knotted pile; 16th century. Gift of Mrs. Douglas M. Moffat, 1958 58.46

 

This scarf pairs perfectly with our new Kashan Carpet jewelry.

 

Johnson Three Children Silk Neckerchief

Our colorful new neckerchief features William Henry Johnson’s (American, 1901–1970) triple portrait of fabulously dressed girls, whose vibrant hats inform the patterns on the border. 

Johnson Three Children Silk Neckerchief

 

After living in Europe for more than a decade, Johnson returned to the US in 1938 and created a number of images portraying Black subjects. Johnson’s aesthetic shifted dramatically over the course of his career—he was influenced by the likes of Expressionism, African sculpture, and folk art, as is evident in the varied styles of his works.

 

Dürer Apocalypse Unisex Oblong Scarf

This striking scarf presents an action-packed detail from Albrecht Dürer’s (German, 1471–1528) The Four Avenging Angels (1511). 

Dürer Apocalypse Unisex Oblong Scarf

 

This thrilling woodcut in The Met collection envisions a scene of drama and danger as four angels described in the Book of Revelation descend from the heavens to obliterate humankind, an army of warriors on ferocious, fire-breathing beasts in tow. 

The Four Avenging Angels, from The Apocalypse, Latin Edition. Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528). Woodcut, 15 3/8 x 11 1/16 in., 1511. Bequest of Grace M. Pugh, 1985 1986.1180.69

 

The fearsome image belongs to Dürer's Apocalypse series, in which the artist vividly imagines the end of days. Click here to learn more about Dürer's legacy.

 

Studies of Magnolias Oblong Silk Scarf

The silken magnolias decorating this scarf come from a trio of nature studies produced by Tiffany & Co. in 1891, the final year of the visionary Edward C. Moore’s (American, 1827–1891) creative leadership at the company. 

Studies of Magnolias Oblong Silk Scarf
Studies of Magnolias. Tiffany & Co. (American, 1837–present). Graphite, watercolor, and ink on brown wove paper; 6 13/16 x 20 1/8 in.; 1891. Gift of Tiffany & Co., 1985 1985.1101.3

 

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue from June 9 to October 20, 2024, Collecting Inspiration: Edward C. Moore at Tiffany & Co. showcases the profound design influence of Moore, a prodigious collector of decorative arts, a noted silversmith, and the creative force who led Tiffany & Co. to unparalleled heights of originality and success during the second half of the 19th century. Through over 180 extraordinary creations bequeathed to the Museum from Moore's collection, alongside 70 magnificent silver objects designed at Tiffany & Co. under his direction, Collecting Inspiration considers Moore's pivotal role in shaping the legendary Tiffany design aesthetic—and the evolution of The Met collection.

 

American Vines Embroidered Shawl 

The fruiting, flowering vines embroidered on this charming shawl recall the 18th-century embroidery embellishing a bedcover housed in The Met’s American Wing

American Vines Embroidered Shawl

 

Original embroidered textiles from this period in American history are rare; most extant examples are preserved in museums, and many others were repurposed to salvage the artisan’s work. The vines on the Museum’s bedcover were likely transferred from a set of bed curtains, perhaps during the 19th-century Colonial Revival movement. The bedcover appears to be an heirloom of the Cabot family, who resided in Salem, Massachusetts, at the time the embroidery was made around 1760. 

Bedcover with appliqued crewel embroidery motifs. Member of the Cabot family (American, 18th century). Linen, embroidered with wool and silk; ca. 1760 original embroidery. Gift of Titi Halle, 2018 2018.916

 

European Floral Shawl 

This sumptuous shawl pays tribute to the colorful blooms on an 18th-century silk fragment in The Met’s European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection

European Floral Shawl

 

Possibly Venetian or French, the Museum’s woven textile bears a timeless motif of various stylized flora. 

Fragment. Italian, Venice or French. Silk, metal thread; 18th century. Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Olga Raggio, 2002 2002.494.33a, b

 

Shop our newest scarves in-store and online, where you'll also find our new cotton pajamas and robes for men and women, ultra-soft tees, and more.

Art Scarves FAQs

 

How to tie a scarf step by step?

The way you tie a scarf depends on the style you want, but here's a basic knot that's perfect for beginners: Drape the scarf unevenly around your neck with one end longer. Loop the longer end around your neck twice, then let it hang loose. Take both loose ends, cross them over each other, and tuck them under the double loop to create a cozy and secure knot.

 

How to wrap a scarf around the neck?

Simple Neck Wrap: This is the easiest! Drape the scarf loosely around your neck with one end slightly longer. Let the longer end hang or tuck it under the loop for a neater look.

 

How do you tie a scarf for beginners?

Beginner's Knot: Drape the scarf unevenly around your neck. Loop the longer end around your neck twice and let it hang loose. Take both loose ends, cross them over each other, and tuck them under the double loop.

 

How to accessorize with a scarf?

Scarves are your ultimate accessory chameleon! Here's how to play: Classic Neck Wrap: Drape it loosely or tie a simple knot for effortless style. Hair Flair: Tie a scarf around a ponytail or braid for a pop of color. Belt it Out: Cinched around your waist, a scarf adds personality to a dress or defines a flowy top. Wrist Wrap: Channel your inner 70s with a scarf bracelet. Bag Charm: Tie a scarf on your handbag handle for a playful touch. Beyond the Basics: Get creative! Scarves can be headbands, beach cover-ups, or even picnic blankets. Most importantly, have fun and experiment!