Handkerchief

Unknown

1853 · Linen and cotton, needle lace (point de gaze), bobbin lace · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

When it was established in 1830, the nation of Belgium encompassed some of the greatest lacemaking regions of Flanders. Thus, it is no surprise that some very fine laces were made as presentation pieces for Belgian royalty. This handkerchief, featuring both needle and bobbin lace, was made on the occasion of the wedding of Leopold, duke of Brabant (later King Leopold II of Belgium), and Marie-Henriette, archduchess of Austria, in 1853. Its design includes the arms of Belgium, the arms of Austria, and the initials L and M, entwined and surmounted by a crown. The point de gaze needle-lace inserts demonstrate an extraordinary mastery of the technique.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1853

Medium

Linen and cotton, needle lace (point de gaze), bobbin lace

Culture

Belgian, Brussels

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1921