Pair of Lappets (Joined)
1875/1900
Medium
Linen, needle lace of a type known as "Point d'Argentan" with a whipped mesh ground
Dimensions
125.2 × 9.8 cm (49 3/8 × 3 7/8 in.); Repeat: H.: 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.)
Classification
costume accessory
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31395
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pair of joined lappets, crafted between 1875 and 1900, represents the pinnacle of 19th-century lace-making artistry. Measuring an impressive 125.2 × 9.8 cm, these linen accessories were designed as decorative streamers for women's headdresses or formal garments, evoking the elegance of Victorian and Edwardian high fashion. Produced using "Point d'Argentan," a luxurious French needle lace technique from the Normandy region, they feature intricate floral motifs repeating every 2.8 cm, set against a delicate whipped mesh ground—a labor-intensive method where fine threads are whippe...
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...