Kanten kraamklopper before 1776

This print depicts bobbin lace and was made by an anonymous artist. The pattern demonstrates the exquisite detail that could be achieved with bobbin lace. We might consider the social conditions in which such a print would have been made. The making of lace was usually a domestic, feminine occupation. Yet, the creation of a print such as this suggests a kind of institutional intervention. Perhaps this was a pattern intended for use in a school. The level of detail would have required considerable skill. It speaks to the cultural value placed on refined craftsmanship. The institutions of art in the Netherlands have a long history of supporting the production and distribution of such patterns. Researching similar prints and pattern books of the period would provide insight into the economics and social status of bobbin lace at this time.