Beautiful Art Scarves You Are Sure to Love

When you think of fine art gifts, you probably think of artwork to hang on the wall or maybe a nice sculpture. But we know that museum gift shops should have more than that, which is why the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has a special collection of fashion items. This includes art scarves, depicting a wide range of styles and iconic pieces.

What to Look For in a Scarf

Looking for the perfect scarf? There are some things to keep in mind when choosing a scarf. Here are some of the most important things to consider:

• Color - You definitely want something bright, vibrant, or colorful. Scarves should definitely stand out against your outfit, adding a pop of excitement to your look.
• Quality - The scarf should be constructed well, with clean, structured stitching and durable, comfortable material.
• Length and Shape - All scarves come in a different shape that inspire different wearing styles, like draping around the neck or wrapping around you tightly. Choose the style that’s right for you.
• Material - Some scarves are thick and some are thin, from cottons to wools. Pick a lighter scarf material for hotter spring days and thicker, warmer materials when you’re trying to bundle up in the winter.

Best Art Scarves

Want to check off all of the above? You’re in the right place. Our art scarves are high quality, colorful, and will make a statement with any outfit. Here are some of our favorites to check out.

Dancers in Rose

This delicate, beautiful scarf depicts Edgar Degas’ pastel on paper artwork. Created in 1900, Dancers in Rose is a pastel, soft work showing elegant dancers in motion. The dancers appear to be leaving the stage after a performance, filing behind a tree theater prop. Degas is recognized for his pastel work, using very few colors to still create layers of texture and emotion.

This scarf is perfect for any artsy outfit, either worn at a performance or art show or just while grabbing brunch with friends. Pair it with some darker clothing so the beautiful pastels stand out.

Peonies and Canaries

Bold and stylish, this scarf is made of soft polyester. The art is Peonies and Canary, a woodblock print from Japanese artist Hokusai. It’s from a series of works that originally included a poem about the flowers depicted in each piece. This one includes double-flowered peonies from Yangzhou.

It was quite popular to cultivate plants as a pastime by the Edo period in Japan. Peonies were especially popular thanks to their incredible blooms in the spring. They come in a variety of colors but in this print, they’re a warm, glowing orange against tan. A bird pensively checks them out against a vibrant blue backdrop.

This striking scarf is perfect for any outfit, especially one with neutral colors. Pair it with a spring-time dress or a cozy fall outfit with dark jeans.

Milkmaid Jar

This abstract scarf is inspired by “The Milkmaid” by Johannes Vermeer. The oil in canvas was created in the 1650s, depicting a kitchen maid pouring milk into a Dutch oven-style container. She is wearing a bold blue apron and has her sleeves pushed up her arms. Filled with symbolism and emotion, this scene has remained popular for centuries.

The Milkmaid Jar scarf is a modern take on the original work, with colorful milkmaid jars creating the outline of the maid from “The Milkmaid.” This contemporary cotton scarf is perfect to match with a more neutral shirt, something without a pattern. This will let this bold scarf stand out even more.

City Rhythm

This geometric scarf might seem like different colored squares at first, but it tells a story. It stirs up emotion and feelings, making it a great scarf for any occasion. “City Rhythm” is a work by Charmion von Wiegand, an American Neoplasticism artist focused on abstract styles. She often uses vertical and horizontal lines in primary colors. “City Rhythm” is her most popular work, demonstrating her distinctive style perfectly. While abstract, “City Rhythm” has colors and shapes that evoke the fast pace of urban life and the large skyscrapers in Manhattan.

This is the perfect scarf for attending a concert or live music event, a jazz festival, an art show, or anything that celebrates artwork and what makes your city unique. Pair it with a plain shirt and light colors.

Ravine

This scarf is a classic, depicting work by Van Gogh. “Ravine” was painted in 1890 by the famous artist, inspired by a time when he was near a ravine alongside an asylum in the French town of Saint Remy. He actually wrote about it to his friend at the time: “Such subjects certainly have a fine melancholy, but then it is fun to work in rather wild places, where one has to dig one’s easel in between the stones lest the wind should blow the whole caboodle over.”

His painting shows the rapid movement of the ravine’s water, with bold shades of blue evoking thoughts of water and motion. It’s the perfect subject for a scarf, showing motion and vibrancy. This lightweight polyester scarf is perfect for any spring outfit, like a white dress or natural-colored outfit.