Vest van linnen aan één zijde afgewerkt met een strook kloskant met boogjes en blaadjes c. 1925 - 1949

Curator: Oh, how lovely! We're looking at a linen vest, dating roughly from 1925 to 1949, created by the Koninklijke Kantwerkschool 'Koningin Sophie der Nederlanden.' Notice how only one side is adorned with that delicate bobbin lace. Editor: It strikes me as almost dreamlike in its simplicity, like a whispered memory of elegance. The linen’s subdued texture juxtaposed with the playful curves of the lace...it's an intriguing contrast, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely. That lace, with its arcs and foliate patterns, carries echoes of Flemish lacemaking traditions. The repeated motifs evoke a sense of harmony, almost a silent rhythm. And yet, it only trims one side... Editor: Leaving the other side bare amplifies the significance of the adorned edge. Think of it as a threshold—a passage from the ordinary into something a little more embellished, more special. Is there some implied narrative there? Curator: Possibly. Consider the symbolism embedded within lace itself— traditionally, it represents skill, patience, and femininity. The asymmetrical design maybe reflects the shifting roles and freedoms women experienced during that period. It’s a restrained rebellion against convention. Editor: Yes, almost like a half-formed thought, an idea still coming into being. The leaves and flower designs can carry connotations too. Fertility, growth...perhaps a blossoming of individual identity in a time of social change? The sparseness prevents overt pronouncements. Curator: It makes one wonder about the wearer, the story they inhabited within these quiet textiles. The maker, too! A student, likely, at the Queen Sophie School… What did she pour into each tiny stitch? Editor: More than just technical skill. Dedication, focus… the repetitive motion becoming meditative, maybe even offering a form of silent protest during times of upheaval. Objects often bear unseen stories in plain view. Curator: Well, I find this simple garment is very much an invitation to delve deeper into the subtle complexities woven within its very being. Editor: Agreed, each viewing reveals new nuances that reverberate into its cultural and psychological meaning. A story worth listening to again, and again.