Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment of needle lace, crafted in the renowned point d’Alençon technique during the 19th century exemplifies the pinnacle of French lace-making artistry. Measuring 12½ by 4¾ inches, this anonymous work from the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases the intricate buttonhole stitches that define point d’Alençon.inating in Alençon, France, method—perfected in royal workshops since the 17th century—involves drawing designs on vellum and meticulously building motifs with fine linen thread, creating a lightweight, sculptural fab...