Artwork Page for Pair of Lace Lappets, joined

Details / Information for Pair of Lace Lappets, joined

Pair of Lace Lappets, joined

1774–92

France, Alençon

Medium
Linen: needle lace (Point d'Alençon)
Measurements
Average: 115.6 x 9 cm (45 1/2 x 3 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness in memory of Mrs. Stephen V. Harkness 1945.96
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Very few complete lace headdresses from the 1700s and 1800s (known as a ‘lace head’) survive, but three pieces formed this type of headwear. This long narrow piece of lace formed the pair of lappets (streamers that frame the face). A complete lace headdress can be seen in CMA objects 1936.489 and 1936.490.
A horizontally long white linen needle lace textile features scattered floral motifs across its center and rounded ends. A continuous floral vine border traces the scalloped edges. In the middle, a thin vertical seam joins two identical halves, creating a mirrored composition. Shimmering, web-like mesh fills the voids between the delicate blossoms and leaves, which repeat rhythmically throughout the entire length.

Pair of Lace Lappets, joined

1774–92

France, Alençon

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