Artwork Page for Pair of Lace Lappets

Details / Information for Pair of Lace Lappets

Pair of Lace Lappets

1715–74

France, Argentan

Medium
Linen: needle lace (Point de Argentan)
Measurements
Average: 10.8 x 148 cm (4 1/4 x 58 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
The Frances McIntosh Sherwin Collection 1936.180
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 off-white linen needle lace strip features rounded ends and an intricate mesh background. A recurring pattern of delicate flower sprigs and curving leafy vines fills the central field. A narrow, scalloped border with fine loops lines the entire perimeter. Throughout, the dense needlework of the motifs creates a detailed contrast against the uniform, gauzy ground.

Pair of Lace Lappets

1715–74

France, Argentan

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