Metrage grove crème-wit zijden tule, met aan een kant zwarte picots c. 1900

This is a length of cream-white silk tulle, embellished with black picots on one edge, made by Gustav Schnitzler. Tulle like this is a machine-made net, often used for veils, dresses, and other decorative applications. The visual appeal of this material relies on the contrast between its delicate, open structure and the inherent strength of silk fibers. The regular pattern of hexagonal holes shows the mechanization and industrialization of textile production, contrasting with earlier lace-making traditions. Adding the picots, those tiny decorative loops, would have required another stage of careful labor, complicating the story of its making. They introduce a human element, as well as a suggestion of high fashion. Looking at this tulle reminds us that even seemingly simple textiles have complex stories to tell about technology, labor, and the enduring appeal of embellishment. It’s a reminder that the materials and processes used in creating an artwork are just as important as its aesthetic qualities, and can challenge our assumptions about art, craft, and industry.