Zakdoek van batist met een rand doorstop en borduurwerk c. 1860

This is a batiste handkerchief with a lace edge and embroidery, made by mevrouw de Lange. Considered within the historical context of domestic crafts, this handkerchief transcends mere utility. In a time when women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, needlework became a significant form of expression. This piece is an engagement with identity and societal expectations. The handkerchief, delicate and intricate, speaks to the emotional labor involved in such detailed work. The act of creating such an item was deeply personal, reflecting the maker's skill and patience, and perhaps offering a space for contemplation or resistance against the confines of her social role. The lace and embroidery may be seen as quiet acts of defiance, transforming a functional object into something beautiful and meaningful. This handkerchief invites us to reflect on the lives of women throughout history and the subtle ways they expressed their creativity and agency.