Border of cutwork and needle lace

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Cutwork, needle lace, punto reale, punto riccio, punto in aria, reticello, linen · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Punto in aria—literally, "stitches in the air"—is one of the earliest styles of needle lace, which is itself developed from cutwork of primarily geometric design. When lacemakers transitioned to using a foundation of threads laid out according to a pattern drawn on parchment, they were able to incorporate more fluid lines and curves into their designs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Cutwork, needle lace, punto reale, punto riccio, punto in aria, reticello, linen

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Mabel Metcalf Fahnestock Collection, the Gift of Ruth Fahnestock Schermerhorn and Faith Fahnestock, 1933