Bertha
1895/1905
Medium
Cotton, mixed lace of needle lace and bobbin part lace of a type known as "Duchesse"
Dimensions
20.7 × 61.8 cm (8 1/8 × 24 1/4 in.); Interior: W.: 11.3 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
3763
Art Historical Context
This delicate Bertha collar, created between 1895 and 1905, represents the refined elegance of turn-of-the-century women's fashion. A Bertha was a wide, flat lace trimming designed to adorn the neckline of a dress, adding a touch of sophistication to everyday and formal wear alike. Crafted from cotton using a sophisticated mix of needle lace and bobbin lace known as "Duchesse," the piece showcases the intricate handwork that defined high-quality textile production during this era. Duchesse lace, often associated with Belgian traditions, combined the precision of needlepoint with the flowing p...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...