Fri Aug 20, 2021 11:10 AM

August 20, 2021

This late 16th/early 17th century lace border with a man, a woman, and a large eagle at the MFA is interesting. There are fewer examples of figural bobbin lace than needlelace that survive. Likewise, there are considerably more published patterns for reticella, punto in aria, and cutwork featuring animals and people. Frequently these pieces are used for furnishings. It is very possible that this was used for that purpose as well. We have previously linked to some sheets and towels with similar heraldic imagery I am reminded of my mother’s guest bathroom with monogrammed towels, so the practice continues in some form.

There are a couple of figural patterns in the Sessa brothers 1557 “Le Pompe” and I’ve linked the Met’s copy with a similar image. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/356989

Bobbin lace border at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 17×217 cm. Accession number 95.955. https://collections.mfa.org/objects/71298