Witte zakdoek afgezet met rand kant en initiaal c. 1836 - 1898

Susanna Maria van Pabst Rutgers-Linse made this white handkerchief with lace edging and initials sometime in the 19th century. It's a small, personal object, but it speaks volumes about the social and cultural context in which it was created. In 19th-century Netherlands, a handkerchief like this would have been a common accessory for women of a certain social class. The delicate lace and embroidered initials suggest a degree of wealth and status, as well as the importance of personal presentation. The handkerchief can tell us something about the identity of its owner and the values of her society. It speaks to us about the economics of textile production and the social rituals of personal grooming. To fully understand this humble object, the historian can turn to sources such as fashion plates, etiquette manuals, and household inventories. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.