Gesneden fluweel met geometrisch patroon van concentrische ruiten, in groen en geel 1896

This is a sample of cut velvet with a geometric pattern of concentric diamonds, made in green and yellow by the Fabriek M.L. en L. Velvet’s distinctive pile is created through a complex weaving process, where extra sets of warp threads are woven through the base fabric and then cut to create a raised surface. In this instance, the pattern emerges through the careful cutting of the pile in some areas and leaving it looped in others. The result is a play of light and shadow across the surface of the fabric, giving the geometric pattern a subtle depth. The use of a diamond pattern adds a touch of modernity to a traditional textile. The production of textiles like this was closely tied to industrialization and global trade networks. Factories mass-produced fabrics for a growing consumer market, and the labor involved in weaving, dyeing, and finishing these textiles often involved harsh working conditions. Yet, by understanding the social context and industrial processes involved in its creation, we can appreciate both the beauty and the complex history embedded in this piece of cut velvet.