Lappet

Unknown

1740–70 · linen · Costume Institute

This represents the fine workmanship of 19th century Brussels bobbin lace. Brussels was a major lace making center in this period. The lyrical design of fanciful imaginary flowers set within the delicate reseau (ground) is beautifully rendered. The lace is a continuous piece and designed as lappets, as the mirror image symmetry of the motifs on each side demonstrates. It is rare to find lappets with their original connecting ruffle, as often the lappets are cut from it in later periods.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1740–70

Medium

linen

Culture

European

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of the executors of the estate of Clara M. Blum in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Blum, 1966