Kniekous, donkerbruin, grof rondgebreid, grotendeels vervilt c. 1740 - 1760

This heavily felted, dark brown, coarsely knitted stocking of unknown origin presents a fascinating interplay of texture and form. The vertical orientation and somewhat irregular cylindrical shape suggest a functional object, yet the roughness of the knit and the felting create a compelling tension between utility and decay. The layering of dark and light brown yarns gives the stocking a striated appearance, emphasizing its materiality and construction. The texture of the felted wool further enhances the tactile quality, inviting a consideration of its use and wear. The stocking could be seen as a signifier of domestic labor and bodily presence. Its worn condition, punctuated by a few holes, speaks to the passage of time and the inevitable degradation of material objects. The absence of a known maker shifts the focus from individual authorship to the collective experience embedded in everyday objects. The stocking invites ongoing contemplation, offering a humble yet rich site for aesthetic and cultural interpretation.