Drie stroken 16de-eeuws Italiaans kant en een stuk Duits kant uit circa 1660, uit de collectie van het Kunstgewerbemuseum in Dresden 1888

This print showcases three strips of 16th-century Italian lace alongside a piece of German lace from around 1660. Sourced from the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Dresden, this work offers a glimpse into the global economies of artistry and labour during the early modern period. At this time, lacemaking was largely done by women, from convents to the domestic sphere, becoming both a means of economic survival and a gendered art form. The presence of both Italian and German lace reflects the exchange of skills and patterns across Europe. The lace speaks to the intricate, time-intensive processes that were part of early commodity culture. Consider how these delicate patterns, often adorning the wealthy, embody a complex blend of artistry, commerce, and gendered labour. They tell a story of how techniques and motifs were passed down through generations of women, shaping a shared cultural heritage that still resonates today.