Cravat end

Unknown

late 17th century · Linen, needle lace (point de France) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The lavish use of expensive Venetian laces at the court of Louis XIV convinced his finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, to establish a competing French lace industry. The term point de France originally referred to both needle and bobbin lace made in France, but eventually became synonymous with French needle lace characterized by a hexagonal background mesh covered with buttonhole stitches and embellished with tiny projections known as picots. This cravat with a hunting theme was reputedly part of a set made in 1697 for the marriage of Marie-Adelaide of Savoy and Louis XIV’s grandson the duc de Bourgogne.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th century

Medium

Linen, needle lace (point de France)

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, 1930