Metrage lint van zwart zijden gaas met drie geblokte strepen c. 1900

Editor: Here we have "Metrage lint van zwart zijden gaas met drie geblokte strepen," a length of black silk gauze ribbon with three checkered stripes, dating from around 1900. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I find the texture fascinating; it seems so delicate yet industrial. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see more than just delicate fabric; I see a reflection of societal structures. Consider the historical context: at the turn of the century, advancements in textile production intersected with rigid social hierarchies. Who was making this ribbon? And for whom was it intended? Was it accessible to women working in the factories or only to the wealthy elite? The black color evokes a somber elegance. Editor: That's a really interesting point. I hadn't thought about the labor behind the ribbon itself. So, you see this as connected to class and potentially gender? Curator: Absolutely. Textiles, often dismissed as ‘craft’ rather than ‘art,’ played a vital role in shaping economic and social dynamics. Black, while fashionable, also symbolized mourning in the Victorian era. This ribbon could speak to the pervasive presence of loss, of women's roles in maintaining social decorum even in grief. What narratives are woven, literally and figuratively, into this piece of fabric? Who controlled its production and its use? Editor: It makes you wonder about the stories these objects hold, the experiences they represent. Looking at something so seemingly simple... it is more complicated now. I appreciate that! Curator: Exactly! The personal is political and this "ribbon" connects on that aspect, doesn't it? I'm also challenged to remember there is more to know and continue researching about topics such as this one.