About this work
The needle lace point d’Alençon originated in the north-western French region of Normandy, following Jean-Baptiste Colbert’s overhaul of the lace industry in France, which began in the late seventeenth century. Venetian lacemakers were sent to Alençon, where reticella needle lace was already being made, to impart their skills to the local workers. Around 1717 a unique style began to emerge. Its characteristic meshed ground consisted of looped stitches twisted around with thread and interspersed with flowers and swags. The motifs varied: in this lace border mischievous dogs run at the base, while an example in the Powerhouse Collection features small figures at play.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
(France)
Accession Number
910-D5
Department
International Fashion and Textiles
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest
Physical description
Alençon needle lace border.