Neckpiece
Unknown Artist
ca. 1870
Medium
linen
Classification
Neckpiece
Culture
Belgian
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Alice Pentlarge Kleeman in memory of Mrs. Rafael Pentlarge, 1957
Accession Number
2009.300.1939
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of 19th-century Belgian fashion with this exquisite *Neckpiece*, crafted around 1870 by an unknown. Made entirely of linen—a lightweight, breathable fabric for its durability and comfort—this accessory exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. Linen neckpieces, often worn as collars, jabots, or ruffs, were essential for women's daytime attire, adding a touch of modesty and elegance to high-necked dresses during the Victorian period. In Belgium, renowned for its textile traditions, such pieces highlight the cultural importance of fine linens in everyday l...