Border (From a Cover)
c. 1700 (based on Venetian laces)
Medium
Linen, needle lace with woven tapes
Dimensions
19.5 × 305.1 cm (7 5/8 × 120 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31330
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Border (From a Cover)*, around 1700, hails from the golden age of Venetian lace-making, a craft synonymous with opulence in Baroque Europe. Measuring an impressive 19.5 305.1 cm, this narrow linen strip was likely designed to elegantly edge a grand bedcover or tablecloth, transforming everyday furnishings into symbols of wealth and refinement. Attributed to an unknown artisan, it reflects Venice's dominance in lace production, where workshops exported these intricate pieces across Europe to adorn the homes of nobility. The medium—linen needle lace combined with woven tapes—hig...
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...