Handkerchief
1875/1900
Medium
Linen, plain weave; edged with mixed lace; bobbin part lace of a type known as "Duchesse" with inserts of needle lace of a type known as "Point de Gaze"
Dimensions
36.2 × 36.2 cm (14 1/4 × 14 1/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
27351
Art Historical Context
This exquisite square handkerchief, crafted between 5 and 1900, exemplifies the pinnacle of 19th-century lace-making artistry. Made from fine linen in plain weave and measuring a perfect 14¼ × 14 inches, it features edges of mixed lace techniques: bobbin lace known as "chesse," prized for bold, floral patterns and sturdy yet intricate construction, combined with inserts of "Point de Gaze" needle lace. The latter mimics the ethereal lightness of gauze, with fine woven to create a misty, veil-like effect that was all the rage in Victorian and Belle Époque fashionDuchesse lace originated in Belgi...
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...