Specimen
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Needle lace
Dimensions
L. 11 1/2 x W. 4 1/2 inches 29.2 x 11.4 cm
Classification
Textiles-Laces
Culture
Belgian, Brussels
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase by subscription, 1909
Accession Number
09.68.317
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Specimen* of needle lace, crafted in Brussels, Belgium during the 19th century exemplifies the city's renowned lace-making tradition. Measuring 11½ by 4½ inches (29.2 x 11.4 cm), this rectangular piece features intricate floral motifs—a hallmark of Brussels lace—showcasing the exquisite detail prized in European decorative arts. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 9 through a public subscription purchase, it now resides in the Department of European Sculpture and Decor Arts, classified among textiles-laces. Needle lace, or *point de Bruxelles*, is a labor-intensive te...