Handkerchief

Unknown

second half 19th century · linen · Costume Institute

The level of embroidery detail on this handkerchief is extraordinary. The workmanship is of a type commonly done by convent nuns. Each scene has a common theme of love and romance from mythology, including Narcissus gazing at his reflection in the water, and Cupid holding his arrow. The imagery is particularly charming for a man's accessory and reflects on the aristocratic status of the owner.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 19th century

Medium

linen

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Peters, 1928