Naai- of stoflap van linnen en katoen met zeven stoppen of tussenzetsels en zeven splitten met haakwerk in de punten, ongemerkt c. 1888 - 1894

This undated ‘Naai- of stoflap’ by G. Glas is a fragment of linen and cotton, carefully patched with squares, and hemmed with crochet. The materials speak of domesticity, as does the patient work of mending: each stitch, each darn, a testament to labor and care. You might even say love. The regular grid of squares suggests a methodical approach, a deliberate act of repair and rehabilitation. Note the crocheted edges. These are not just functional; they are decorative, an assertion of value. The contrast between the rough, worn fabric and the refined crochet is striking, underscoring the transformative power of craft, and also the social context of cloth production. Textiles have long been associated with women’s work, and the act of mending was often a necessity born of economic circumstance. It is a humble piece, yet it transcends its utilitarian origins, reminding us that even the most mundane objects can be imbued with beauty and meaning through the simple act of making. It challenges the hierarchy of art and craft, inviting us to see the artistry in the everyday.