Grote ronde kraag met S-ranken
1966
Medium
Venetian gros point (heavy raised Venetian lace)
Dimensions
16; 98; 11.5; 46
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
breedte 11,5 cm (Smalste gedeelte.) x breedte 16 cm (Breedste gedeelte.) x omtrek 46 cm (Kleinste omtrek (halslijn).) x omtrek 98 cm (Grootste omtrek (aansluiting met andere kraag).)
Art Historical Context
This striking round collar, titled *Grote ronde kraag met S-ranken*, was created in 1966 using Venetian gros point, a dense and sculptural form of needle lace known for its raised, three-dimensional motifs. Measuring between 11.5 and 16 cm in width with neckline and outer circumferences of 46 cm and 98 cm respectively, the piece features graceful S-shaped scrolls—likely floral or foliate vines—that wind across its surface. Though the artist remains anonymous, the work revives a centuries-old Italian technique originally prized in the 17th century for its labor-intensive beauty and luxurious texture. Venetian gros point lace is formed by building up layers of buttonhole stitches over a parchment pattern, creating a heavy, almost sculptural relief that distinguishes it from flatter bobbin laces. In the mid-1960s, such meticulous handwork represented both a nod to historical European textile traditions and a statement of craftsmanship amid the era’s shifting fashions. The collar’s generous proportions suggest it was designed to adorn a formal garment, transforming a simple neckline into an elaborate display of pattern and relief. Today the piece offers visitors a tangible connection to the enduring appeal of lace as wearable art. Its anonymous maker preserved an intricate technique while adapting it for modern appreciation, highlighting how traditional methods continue to inspire through their tactile richness and ornamental elegance.
About the Artist
anonymous
In the vast tapestry of art history, "Anonymous" stands not as a singular individual but as a collective designation for countless unidentified creators whose works have endured across millennia. These artists, spanning prehistoric cave painters to medieval illuminators and folk craftsmen, produced the foundational layers of human visual culture. Prior to the Renaissance, when individual fame emer...