Border
1865/85
Medium
Cotton, bobbin straight lace of a type known as "Valenciennes" with a square Valenciennes mesh ground
Dimensions
7.7 × 112.7 cm (3 × 44 3/8 in.); Repeat: W.: 6.6 cm (2 5/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
27340
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Border* lace, crafted between 1865 and 1885, exemplifies the exquisite bobbin lace traditions of 19th-century Europe. Made from fine cotton threads in the style known as Valenciennes—a renowned type originating from the Flanders region of France and Belgium—this piece features a distinctive square mesh ground woven in straight strips. Measuring just 7.7 × 112.7 cm with a repeating pattern every 6.6 cm, its narrow, elongated form suggests it was designed as a trim for garments, linens, or household textiles, adding elegance to everyday luxury. Valenciennes lace, produced by skil...
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...