Strook zwarte machinale tule met schulpen aan één zijde en een ondulerend motief van bloemen en voluten c. 1925

This piece, black machine-made tulle with scalloped edges and a floral pattern, was created by Gustav Schnitzler, and is now in the Rijksmuseum. It's interesting to think about how something like lace exists at the intersection of art and industry, design and function. When you look closely, you can see how the undulating motifs create a rhythmic flow. It's so tactile, you want to reach out and feel the delicate texture of the tulle. The way the light filters through the fabric creates these complex shadows. Thinking about the process of making this lace, you can imagine the machines working tirelessly to produce these intricate designs. It reminds me a bit of the work of Sophie Taeuber-Arp, who also explored the relationship between art, craft, and the machine. Ultimately, it’s a lovely object that holds so many possibilities within its delicate structure.